Page 9 - YunnanTourismCultureTimes (98)

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FOCUS | 焦点

Intangible cultural heritage
steals the spotlight

文玩泼水节

In Manyuan Village, Jinghong City, al similarities. I hope that more Laotian
Xishuangbanna Prefecture, the small court- tourists will travel here via the China-Laos Dance music
yards showcasing Dai intangible cultural Railway, feeling at home despite being in rocks the audience
heritage attracted many tourists. The court- another country.”
yards were beautifully adorned with Dai In Mangshi City, Dehong Prefecture, 舞动泼水节
brocades, handmade Dai paper, Thai cloth the intangible cultural heritage fair during
umbrellas, bottle gourds, and various other the Water-Splashing Festival was bustling During the 2023 Water Splashing Fes- 2018, the Troupe has released five wa-
handicrafts. with activity. At the stall of Feng Erxiang, a tival, the song “UP Gengma” transformed ter-splashing dance songs, all of which
Chen Muyun, a visitor from Thailand, 42-year-old villager, a variety of exquisite Gengma Dai and Wa Autonomous Coun- have been well received. The Troupe’s
noticed the Thai cloth umbrellas in the Dai silver jewelry including earrings, collars, ty into a vibrant new tourist destination. performances feature the Dai’s traditional
paper courtyard and began an enthusiastic pendants, and bracelets were beautifully Building on this success, the county has Malu dance, Jinnaluo dance, and other
conversation with the owner, Yukang. In arranged on a deep red tablecloth. “I am the released a music video for the festival’s intangible cultural heritage elements, all
2019, Yukang left his job at a hotel and re- fifth generation inheritor of Dai silverware, latest dance track, “Odika” this year. seamlessly integrated into their vibrant
turned to his hometown. After learning from which involves many intricate steps such as The song’s lively melodies and energetic and cheerful melodies. This unique fu-
an inheritor of intangible cultural heritage, cutting, twisting, welding, and embossing.” beats have captivated audiences, inspir- sion has consistently captivated audienc-
he transformed his courtyard into a work- said Feng. He hopes that more young peo- ing festival-goers to dance along with the es, showcasing the rich cultural heritage
shop for experiencing this cultural tradition, ple will take an interest in Dai silverware infectious rhythm. of the Dai people in a contemporary for-
attracting many tourists from both home and help preserve this intangible cultural “‘Odika’ is an ancient salutation of mat.
and abroad. heritage. the Dai ethnic group, traditionally used In Xishuangbanna, the highlight of
“In our courtyard, you can experience “Please drink a cup of De’ang sour tea.” to start a conversation with someone this year’s Water Splashing Festival is the
traditional Dai handicrafts such as Dai said Zhao Chunlan, a De’ang woman, as she you respect or care about,” explained a theme song “Sasenbimai.” This dynamic
paper-making and Dai slow-wheel pot- handed a cup of tea to a tourist. Tea is the member of the Gengma Ethnic Song and water-splashing dance song masterfully
tery-making. You can also taste home- lifeblood of the De’ang people. Wherever Dance Troupe. “By naming the dance blends traditional Dai culture with mod-
cooked Dai dishes and my innovative there are De’ang people, there are tea moun- music ‘Odika,’ we aim to revive the Dai ern trends, making it highly appealing to
juices,” Yukang said. During peak tourist tains, and sour tea is a traditional variety language, which has been fading over the younger generation. As the music of
season, he offers three intangible cultur- unique to the De’ang culture. The De’ang time, and breathe new life into our tradi- “Sasenbimai” played on Water-Splashing
al heritage experience sessions each day, people incorporate tea into their daily lives, tional ceremonial culture. This blend of Square, its lively rhythm and captivating
with about 70 tourists in each session. “In making sour tea a hallmark of their identity. innovation and cultural heritage is at the singing and dancing performances ener-
addition to tourists from Southeast Asian After sipping the sour tea, Yulong and Ton heart of our artistic endeavors.” gized the crowd. The gathered spectators
countries, we have welcomed guests from from the Netherlands gave a thumbs up and The Gengma Ethnic Song and Dance swayed to the beat, creating an enthusias-
Europe, America, South Africa, and other exclaimed, “It’s very good, very special!” Troupe has been dedicated to tic and vibrant atmosphere.
places,” he added. “At the intangible cultural heritage fair, merging traditional culture with “Mangcaca, mangcaca, our life is
Wang Wei, a tourist from Laos, had a different ethnic groups coexist harmonious- modern dance music. Since getting ever better!” This year, Dehong’s
rich experience in the village. Wang said, ly while preserving their unique traditions, Water Splashing Festival theme song is
“The Dai people in Xishuangbanna and showcasing the cultural beauty created by “All’s Well.” Sung in the Dai language,
Laotians share many linguistic and cultur- China’s inclusiveness.” said Ton. the song features rich ethnic elements, a
cheerful melody, and an exciting rhythm.
Both the passionate dancers and the peo-
ple with water guns and buckets
found great enjoyment in
this lively tune.