Folk Customs of Lijiang

Lijiang, the land of music and dance, is also the home of various colorful folk customs. There are eleven minorities in the district, the Naxi, Yi, Lisu, Bumi, Bai, Dai, Miao, Zhuang, Tibetan, Hui and the Han, all of whom boast diverse cultures and dialects.

Visitors to Lijiang are often impressed by the diversity of the minorities and their customs in such a small area. Tribal customs, marriage ceremonies and even indigenous costumes of these peoples vary a great deal as the tribes are spread out far and wide.

For example, the Naxi people from Western Lijiang believe in a `God of Protection' called Sanduo and observe celebrations such as the "Sanduo Festival," "Offering Sacrifices to Heaven," and " Offering Sacrifices to Ancestors". The Mosuo people from the East, worship the Goddess Gunma and follow a matriarchal marriage system called "Azu". According to their folk heritage, all mountains, rivers and springs are ``female'' and are the source of female legends. During the traditional "Mountain-circling Festival" approaches, Mosuo girls will be dressed up as Heavenly fairy maidens and as colorful butterflies.

Meanwhile, on the other side of Lugu Lake, their neighbors, the Bumi people worship "Hanhui". The Yi people from the Xiaoliang mountains, on the other hand, follow a marriage custom that is based on a clan's importance in their hierachy. Their wedding ceremonies, which include sprinkling water on the bride and groom for good luck are still carried out today.