Kunming – A festival is an interwoven collection of culture, tradition, and history that represents a specific group of people or even an entire country. In China, there is one particular celebration that has evolved throughout the years from being a religious event to a greater display of rich heritage.
The Bai people of China hold the annual Third Month Fair at the foot of Mount Cangshan, also known as Mount Diancang Shan, which lies west of the ancient city of Dali. Locals and tourists from around the world gather between the 15th and 20th of the third lunar month to join the festivities. How does this yearly gathering showcase the culture of the Bai as well as its long history of rich Chinese heritage?
Who are the Bai People?
The Bai people are one of the largest and most prosperous minority group of the Yunnan province. They also live in the regions of Guizhou, Kunming, Lijiang, Yuanjiang, and many others. Their name is said to have been coined centuries ago. It means “white” and is said to represent the white sheepskins that their people wore in ancient times. Their ethnic name is also used to distinguish them from another group of people known as the Wuman (“black”) who lived near them.
More than a community sharing a distinct name, they also use a form of language that is said to have come from the Zang-Mian Austronesian family of the Sino-Tibetan Phylum. However, the character set they use in writing is similar to those used by the Han people.
Aside from their unique language, the Bai people predominantly practice Buddhism. In some smaller groups, others still worship their village god, Benzhou, the nature god or even a certain folklore hero. In spite of this difference, the community has shown a great religious connection.
Religious Homage to Modern Festivities
As the Bai people continue to practice their traditions and deep religious affiliations, they show their faith through yearly celebrations. One of their most famous festivals is the Third Month Fair.
The fair started as a religious activity, which main purpose is to rally and to pay homage to the community’s long history, culture, and religion (i.e., Buddhism). People believe and follow a certain legend that dates back to the Nanzhao State. The tale talks of the Goddess of Mercy that came to Dali to share about Buddhism. It is said that the goddess came on the 15th day of the third lunar month. This is why the Bai people began celebrating the Third Month Fair.
Nowadays, guests from all over the globe still witness this beautiful culture of the ethnic group and at the same time enjoy the moments they have in the city. Through the years and with Dali’s strategic location, the Third Month Fair has grown to a grand and colorful event, which includes various traditional sports, dances, performances, and even trade of local merchandise. Nevertheless, more than a typical local attraction, the people remain faithful to the festival’s origins and its representation of the community’s lifestyle.
