HAIKOU, April 24. /TASS/. The cultural traditions of Li people, as well as Miao, Hainan's two largest national minorities, have recently revived with renewed vigor, attracting the attention of tourists and exotic lovers, stated the material provided to TASS by the press service of Publicity Department of CPC Hainan Provincial Committee.
According to statement, the said autochthonous ethnic groups have recently celebrated their main holiday — "Double Third Festival" (falls on March 3 according to the lunar calendar, in 2021 it corresponds to April 14 — TASS). On this date, dedicated to a successful hunt and a rich harvest, it is customary to make romantic acquaintances.
In connection with the actively pursued policy of the Chinese authorities to protect and preserve the national culture in May 2006, the Chinese State Council inscribed this holiday in the list of intangible heritage. It is usually celebrated by the population living in the central and southern part of Hainan, where the bulk of the small ethnic groups of the island are concentrated.
The Legend of Enyan and Ague
The Li people are considered the most ancient ethnic group on Hainan, who inhabited the island more than 3,000 years ago. At present, most of its representatives live in the Shuimanhe River area and in the area adjacent to Wuzhishan Mountain in the central part of the province. These areas are home to dense rainforests and traditions dating back to prehistoric times.
Speaking about "Double Third Festival", there is a legend about Enyan — a girl who was once kidnapped by a spirit disguised as a raven. A young man named Ague, who made his way into the villain's den, undertook to rescue her from captivity, but in the end could not complete the mission, having paid with his life.
According to legend, later Enyan herself killed the kidnapper, saving the local residents from his atrocities and avenging the death of Ague. The day of the death of the young man became a holiday, which has become the local analogue of "Valentine's Day".
Cultural and economic component
Since 2014, during the "Double Third Festival", more and more events related to the ancient rituals of ancestor worship have been held annually in the Wuzhishan Mountain region. According to legend, the spirit of the earth living in these places protects the Li people.
In addition to religious rituals, at the onset of the main holiday, it is customary to organize dances, song contests, archery competitions and other numerous events that attract the attention of tourists. Recently, with the support of the government, exhibitions, conferences, business meetings, presentations of cultural and economic potential have been timed to these events.
Moreover, on this date, the locals arrange festivities, during which it is customary to treat guests to wine from mountain orchids, which has a sweetish and slightly tart flavor. Thanks to the efforts of the local authorities, the "Double Third Festival" has already become a cultural brand of Hainan, known throughout China.
According to official statistics, 48 out of 55 China's small nationalities live on Hainan. Representatives of these ethnic groups account for about 20% of the province's population. Most of the inhabitants belonging to national minorities are descendants of those who migrated to the island many centuries ago from various regions of mainland China.