Water Splashing Festival of the Dai people

1. Myths and legends about the origin of the Water Splashing Festival

There are many legends about the Dai people’s Water Splashing Festival. One of the fairy tales is about 7 girls.

A long time ago, the fire demon who ruled the Dai area caused harm to one side, and the people hated her very much. Later, he snatched seven folk women to be his wives. These seven girls took advantage of the big devil while he was drunk and sleeping and strangled himself with one of his hairs. But wherever the big devil's head rolled, a fire started. The girls picked up the head and The fire will go out. In order to completely prevent the demon from harming the world, the seven girls took turns hugging the demon and washed the filth from their bodies with water until the fire demon's head was burned.

Later, in order to commemorate the heroic spirit of the seven Dai girls, people poured water on each other to bless each other on the day when the fire demon was exterminated every year.

Extended information:

Inheritance value

The Water Splashing Festival is a comprehensive display of the traditional culture of the Dai people such as water culture, music and dance culture, food culture, clothing culture and folk admiration. The comprehensive stage is an important window for studying the history of the Dai people and has high academic value. The artistic performances such as Zhang Ha and White Elephant Dance displayed at the Water Splashing Festival can give people artistic enjoyment and help understand the Dai people's national characteristics of understanding nature, loving water and respecting Buddha, and being gentle and calm.

Cultural Impact

The Water Splashing Festival is an important link to strengthen the unity of the people of all ethnic groups in Xishuangbanna. It is also important for friendly cooperation and exchanges between Xishuangbanna and Southeast Asian countries, and for promoting the development of social economy and culture around the world. played a positive role.

The Yunnan Dai Water Splashing Festival is held simultaneously in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture and Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture every year. Both places can be reached directly by flight from Kunming. On April 13, 1961, Premier Zhou Enlai participated in the Water Splashing Festival in Xishuangbanna. Since then, the Water Splashing Festival has grown in scale, and every year tens of thousands of Chinese and foreign tourists regard it as the most unforgettable experience in their lives.

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Reference: Dai Water Splashing Festival-Baidu Encyclopedia