History,
Culture,
and Folklore
Dive into the rich tapestry of Lisu history and traditions in our History, Culture & Folklore section. Here, you can journey through time to uncover the origins and evolution of the Lisu people. Learn about their ancient customs, captivating legends, and timeless stories passed down through generations. This section also features explorations of traditional costumes, intricate crafts, and the rituals that mark festivals and ceremonies. Each narrative and artifact is carefully curated to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of Lisu heritage.
历史
文化
民俗
Lisu
History
Traditional
Customs
Literature:
Legends & Stories
The Lisu Code《傈僳密码》
Through years of research into the history and culture of the Lisu people, the author of this book has compiled and analyzed a wealth of information, offering a comprehensive exploration of their origins, history, and traditions. The work examines the Lisu's migratory journeys, their heroic contributions to border defense and settlement, and the cultural landscapes that have shaped their identity. By presenting these themes from multiple perspectives, the book provides valuable insights into the Lisu's historical and cultural development. It serves as an essential resource for understanding the rich heritage and enduring legacy of the Lisu people.
A Brief History of the Lisu People《傈僳族简史》
Through years of research into the history and culture of the Lisu people, the author of this book has compiled and analyzed a wealth of information, offering a comprehensive exploration of their origins, history, and traditions. The work examines the Lisu's migratory journeys, their heroic contributions to border defense and settlement, and the cultural landscapes that have shaped their identity. By presenting these themes from multiple perspectives, the book provides valuable insights into the Lisu's historical and cultural development. It serves as an essential resource for understanding the rich heritage and enduring legacy of the Lisu people.
An Introduction to Lisu Folk Literature 《傈僳族民间文学概论》
The Lisu people are a historically rich, industrious, and creative ethnic group. Throughout their long and complex social history, they have developed a unique and vibrant traditional culture—encompassing both spiritual and material aspects—that has become an integral part of Chinese cultural heritage. As the Lisu lacked a written script in their early history, many cultural phenomena and forms were passed down orally, generation after generation. Folk literature thus became a multifaceted tool for recording their traditions, serving as a collective representation of their cultural identity and a crystallization of their communal wisdom.
This book explores the concept, scope, and fundamental characteristics of Lisu folk literature, tracing its origins and evolution. It highlights the role of folk artists and examines various literary forms, including myths, legends, proverbs, and ballads. Through this comprehensive overview, the book offers valuable insights into the rich oral traditions that have shaped the Lisu people's cultural legacy.
Dancing to the South
《裳舞之南》
This book explores the interconnected cultural systems of dance and clothing among the Lisu people, employing an interdisciplinary approach and a holistic perspective. Through extensive fieldwork, it delves into the Lisu's survival philosophy, beliefs, and traditions, offering a deeper understanding of their cultural essence. The study examines the origins, evolution, and future directions of the symbolic meanings embedded in their graceful dances and elaborate attire. It seeks to uncover the historical and cultural forces behind their movements and clothing, as well as how they construct their vibrant daily lives within the framework of inherited traditions.
Lisu History
The Lisu Ethnic Minority Group
The Lisu people are an ancient ethnic minority group with roots tracing back to the Di-Qiang tribes. Between the 1st and 3rd centuries, their ancestors inhabited the regions along the Yalong River in Sichuan and the Jinsha River bordering Sichuan and Yunnan. During 1548–1549, oppressed by the heavy burdens of military service and forced labor under the Mu chieftains of Lijiang, many Lisu fled the Jinsha River area. Some settled along the Lancang River, while others crossed the Biluo Snow Mountain into the Nu River region. Since the 19th century, the Lisu have undertaken several large-scale migrations from east to west, eventually establishing themselves in the Nu River area. They formed villages based on family or clan units, and through generations of hard work, they cleared wilderness, cultivated land, and thrived despite hardships. Today, the Lisu are one of the most populous and widely distributed ethnic groups in the Nu River region.
The Origins of the Nu River
The Nu River’s origins are steeped in legends and theories. One legend dates back to the Tang Dynasty, when Princess Wencheng married the Tibetan hero Songtsen Gampo. A tear from her longing for her homeland transformed into the Green Tara, then into the Nu River, linking the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau to the southeastern landscapes. Another tale suggests the river symbolizes the ceremonial khata offered by Songtsen Gampo to the Tang emperor. During the Warring States period, the poet Qu Yuan mentioned "Mount Sanwei" and "Black Water" in his work "Heavenly Questions". Scholars later identified Mount Sanwei as Biluo Snow Mountain and Black Water as the Nu River. Modern scholar Fu Yongfa, in his book "The Discovery of the Divine Land", connects the wonders described in "Shan Hai Jing" (Classic of Mountains and Seas) to the Nu River. In the late 19th century, French explorer Prince Henri d’Orléans twice traversed the Nu River Grand Canyon, bringing its story to the West. Missionaries followed, carrying the Bible and blessings, turning the canyon into a spiritual sanctuary.
"The People Who Chase the Sun"
The Lisu people are one of China's ancient ethnic groups, with origins tracing back to the integration of the ancient Di-Qiang tribes and southwestern ethnic groups. Some scholars suggest their lineage may date to the ancient Li-Lu clan around 6800 BCE. Following the collapse of the Li-Lu regime, the ancestors of the Lisu migrated westward, becoming descendants of the Shi-Man and Shun-Man tribes. By the Han Dynasty, they had settled in the mid-reaches of the Lancang River. During the Tang Dynasty, the Lisu moved eastward to the border regions of Yunnan, Sichuan, and Tibet, marking the first historical record of their name. In the Ming Dynasty, they joined military campaigns westward and later migrated en masse to the Nujiang River valley. In the Qing Dynasty, under the leadership of Hengzhabeng, the Lisu rebelled against feudal oppression and, after defeat, migrated again to Nujiang and northern Myanmar. By the founding of the People's Republic of China, the Lisu were widely distributed along the Nujiang-Salween and Lancang-Mekong rivers, with an overseas population of 500,000–580,000 and a global population of 1.2–1.28 million. The Lisu share a common language and ancestral figure, "Pupa Bapa," and practice diverse religions. They developed four writing systems, including the Lisu bamboo script and the Fraser alphabet. After 1959, the Lisu ceased their migrations, becoming landowners and achieving unprecedented development.
Traditional Customs
Burying the Beloved in the Sand 沙滩埋情人
"Burying the Beloved in the Sand" is a traditional festival and courtship activity celebrated by the Lisu youth in Fugong County, Nujiang Prefecture, Yunnan. Held around the fourth and fifth days of the Lunar New Year, this lively event brings young men and women together by the banks of the Nu River for singing, dancing, and playful interactions. During the ritual, participants dig a shallow pit in the sand and "bury" their beloved, feigning deep sorrow with mournful songs and dances. After the playful act, the "buried" person is joyfully pulled out. The Lisu believe this ritual not only symbolizes the depth and sincerity of romantic bonds but also serves to "bury" any ill fortune or "death spirits" attached to the beloved, ensuring their health and longevity.
The Hot Spring Bathing Festival 澡堂会
The tradition of hot spring bathing has been a century-old custom among the Lisu people in Lushui. Located 12 kilometers north of Liuku, a natural cluster of hot springs, known as the "Sixteen Springs of the Gorge," features an average water temperature of 50°C, sometimes reaching 72°C. Every year, from the second to the sixth day of the Lunar New Year, Lisu families from surrounding villages gather here with abundant food to bathe in the springs. The hot springs are regarded as sacred waters, believed to cleanse the past year’s misfortunes and usher in good fortune for the new year. Bathing takes place in open-air pools, with no gender segregation. During the festival, singers from nearby villages compete in song contests, and locals exchange goods and share stories. For young Lisu men and women, often separated by the region’s rugged terrain, the annual festival provides a rare opportunity to socialize and build connections.
The Kuoshi Festival 阔时节
The Kuoshi Festival, equivalent to the Han Chinese Spring Festival, is the most important traditional celebration of the Lisu people in Nujiang Prefecture, western Yunnan. In the Lisu language, "Kuoshi" means "New Year," and December 20th is officially designated as the Lisu New Year.
Traditionally, before the festival, families clean their homes using chestnut branches while singing songs to "sweep away illness, hardship, pain, poverty, and hunger." A pine tree is erected at the entrance, and pine needles are scattered indoors to symbolize health and protection for the family.
On the first day of Kuoshi, people dress in their finest clothes to exchange greetings. Young men and women visit homes with their four-stringed instruments, performing dances and songs to bring blessings. Hosts reciprocate with offerings of rice cakes, melon seeds, and pine nuts. The festival features a variety of activities, including crossbow shooting, top spinning, swing playing, and daring feats like "climbing the knife ladder" and "walking through fire." Romantic traditions, such as singing love duets and the playful "Burying the Beloved in the Sand," add to the festivities.
As the Lisu's grandest celebration, Kuoshi embodies their cultural heritage and communal spirit.
Fairy Festival 仙女节
The Fairy Maiden Festival, known locally as the "Flower Festival" or "Nairan Festival," is a traditional celebration of the Nu people in Gongshan, Yunnan. Held annually from the 15th to the 17th of the third lunar month, it attracts thousands of participants dressed in festive attire. They gather at the Fairy Maiden Cave, bringing offerings such as flowers, seeds, and food, while lamas from Puhua Temple chant scriptures and beat drums in a solemn ceremony.
The festival honors a legendary maiden named Arong from Jimude Village. Arong is celebrated for inventing the bamboo cable crossings over the Nu River and discovering a sweet spring on Gaoligong Mountain. To escape a forced marriage, she hid in a cave and turned into a stone statue on the 15th day of the third lunar month.
The festivities include three main activities: offering sacrifices to the Fairy Maiden and receiving "holy water," singing and dancing for blessings, and engaging in traditional sports. Young women enter the cave to collect water from a stalactite said to be Arong's transformed form, which is then shared by all. The celebration continues through the night with music and dance, praying for health, prosperity, and bountiful harvests. Traditional sports such as crossbow shooting, running, and arm wrestling are also highlights of the festival.
Thousand-Footed Houses 千脚落地屋
The stilted bamboo-wood houses, commonly known as "Thousand-Footed Houses," are a traditional architectural style in the Nu River region. These simple yet functional structures are built on dozens of wooden pillars, with a few taller ones serving as the main supports. The floors and roofs are made of bamboo or wooden planks, often topped with thatched grass or square wooden tiles. Walls are typically woven from bamboo strips. This design eliminates the need for leveling the ground, making construction efficient and resource-saving. Built with locally sourced materials, these houses are practical, well-ventilated, and adapt well to the local climate, offering warmth in winter and coolness in summer. Traditionally, the space beneath the house was used to shelter livestock, though modern practices now separate living quarters from animal pens. These houses are rebuilt every 5 to 8 years, maintaining their functionality and cultural significance.
The Unity Wine Ritual 同心酒
The Unity Wine is the highest form of hospitality in Lisu culture. When a Lisu host offers you this drink, it signifies that you have earned their trust and are regarded as a close friend. During the ritual, the host and guest wrap their arms around each other’s necks, cheek to cheek, and share a bowl of wine, symbolizing a bond of intimacy and mutual respect. This act is often accompanied by a festive meal of hand-eaten rice, featuring dishes made from roasted suckling pig, free-range chicken, and wild vegetables. The atmosphere is lively and warm, reflecting the deep sense of camaraderie and hospitality central to Lisu traditions.
Literature: Legends & Stories
"Mei Layue"
《梅腊月》
Set in the borderlands of Yunnan during the early years of the People's Republic, this novel centers on Mei Layue, a young Lisu woman. In the 1950s, following her adoptive Han father's dying wish, she embarks on a mission to spread cultural knowledge and share insights from inland development, traveling through the Nu River Gorge and the Wild Man Mountains. The story vividly portrays the struggles of life in ethnic minority regions, weaving together themes of love, betrayal, and wrongful accusations.
Rich in cultural detail, the novel captures the unique landscapes of the Lancang River and local customs like cable crossings. Mei Layue emerges as a courageous and resilient protagonist, growing through adversity. The diverse cast of characters reflects the complexities of human nature, while the plot blends elements of conflict, romance, and suspense. Enhanced by Dong Chensheng's exquisite ink illustrations, the book also holds significant artistic value.
Tears of Bingzhongluo
《丙中洛的眼泪》
This novel tells the story of Chu Yao, a vibrant young woman from a Lisu village in Yunnan, who dedicates years to teaching in the remote Bingzhongluo region, experiencing firsthand the challenges of local education. Meanwhile, Han Xiao, a wealthy and stylish man, travels to Yunnan to escape tensions with his girlfriend. During his trip, he rescues a truck driver from an accident and meets Chu Yao, who also lends a helping hand. This encounter sparks Han Xiao's admiration and love for Chu Yao, inspiring him to join her teaching efforts and help establish a simple school in Wuli Village.
Despite numerous obstacles in their journey and the trials their relationship faces, the two reunite for their shared cause. Tragically, Chu Yao sacrifices her life in this poignant and inspiring tale of love and dedication. The story, reminiscent of a Cinderella-meets-prince narrative, highlights the selfless devotion of volunteer teachers and the urgent need for educational support in remote areas, illuminating the brilliance of human compassion.
The Genesis
《创世纪》
The Genesis of the Lisu people is an ancient oral epic, revered as the oldest melody of the Lisu, embodying their unique understanding of the universe's origin, human creation, and the natural world. Passed down through a fixed melodic form for over two millennia, it is primarily performed during solemn rituals like the "Path-Guiding Ceremony." The epic narrates the creation of heaven and earth, human reproduction, ethnic migrations, and the wisdom of living in harmony with nature, reflecting the Lisu ancestors' profound reflections on life, nature, and the cosmos. More than a myth, *Genesis* is a comprehensive expression of Lisu history, philosophy, religion, and folklore. The Lisu sages, known as "Bipa," serve as custodians of this oral heritage, preserving and transmitting the nation's history, customs, ethics, and agricultural knowledge through recitation. The epic depicts the Lisu ancestors' transition from hunting and gathering to settled farming, highlighting humanity's progress in conquering and transforming nature. However, with modern societal changes, *Genesis* faces the risk of being lost, necessitating urgent preservation efforts. This epic is not only an encyclopedia of Lisu culture but also a symbol of their resilience and unity, chronicling their survival and civilization along the Nujiang River. In 2006, *Genesis* was inscribed as a national intangible cultural heritage, becoming a vital resource for studying Lisu culture.
The Ancient Sacrificial Songs
《祭天古歌》
In Weixi Lisu Autonomous County, Yunnan, the ancient sacrificial songs resonate through mountains and valleys, embodying the spirit and culture of the Lisu people. Historically, the Lisu lacked a written script, so these songs were orally passed down by ritual priests, preserving their heritage across generations.
The songs are rich with myths, such as shooting and creating the sun and moon, reflecting the Lisu's unique understanding of nature, the cosmos, and life. As descendants of the ancient Di-Qiang tribes, the Lisu share deep cultural roots with Yi-speaking groups like the Yi and Naxi. These myths not only serve as vessels of collective memory but also symbolize the Lisu's resilience and pursuit of a better life.
Centered on the theme of "searching," the songs narrate the arduous journeys of Labenzhi (a Bai figure) and Laluozhi (a Yi figure), conveying traditional knowledge about trees and forests while highlighting the Lisu's reverence for nature. The inclusion of these cross-cultural heroes underscores the strong bonds between the Lisu and neighboring ethnic groups.
More than a reflection of the Lisu's spiritual identity, the sacrificial songs bridge the past, present, and future, carrying their faith, wisdom, and emotions. They are a powerful force for cultural continuity and communal unity.