China Celebrates the Season of Love—Spring
By admin on 2014-12-18

Spring is the most beautiful seasons of the four. Everywhere is covered with colorful flowers and green grass, gentle breeze lightly brushes your face, in such a romantic season, people will naturally think of love, and probably have a date with somebody.

When tender green shoots thrive in meadow and romantic cherry trees wallows in blossom, one could safely assume that the Sanyuesan Festival, which falls on March 3 of the Chinese traditional lunar calendar, is approaching.

Widely celebrated by many nationalities with varying methods across China, it is a traditional festival bound to be both impressive and thrilling.

To the Zhuang ethnic people in Southwest China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, March the 3rd is a festival for young people to sing songs and find their lovers. Since 1983, singing festivals have been held all around Guangxi annually on that day.

There is a folk tale about singing tradition in ancient China. That is, that a renowned singer's daughter selected her husband by holding a singing competition and finally successfully found her lover. Since then, hunting for lovers by singing has become a tradition.

Bamboo dancing is another essential activity for Zhuang people on March the 3rd. Youngsters dress up in festive costumes, beating drums and expressing their admiration for each other.

Five colored sticky-rice and painted eggs are important snacks. Zhuang people say the rice is good for health and painted eggs are the best keepsake of love.

And in south China's island province of Hainan, Li and Miao nationality people regard March the 3rd as the "Festival of Love". It is also the day for remembering ancestors. An outdoor gala was held in Lingshui Li Autonomous County on March 3, and love was the theme of the performance.

For the She people, who mainly lives in Fujian and Zhejiang provinces, March the 3rd is a grand day for solos, antiphonals, choruses and unique duets. They also choose the day to pay tribute to their forefathers. On such occasions, the She people refuse no chance to show their singing talents.

Anyone who drop by the She community during the festival can have the chance to witness unique She wedding ceremonies, and take part in grand rites. It is also a time to appreciate the folk songs and performances given by the talented She people. You can enjoy She dances while sipping fragrant rice wine or a local Huimin Tea. And such happy times are sure to reach their heights as the pretty She girls invite audience members to join the dancing group, and to extend the party celebration.

In ancient China, March the 3rd was called "Shangsi Festival". It is said that the day was the birthday of Emperor Huangdi, the ancestor of the Chinese people. Han people do sacrifice on that day, enjoy flowers in the field and date with lovers. She, Dong, Yao and Tujia ethnic groups also have the tradition of celebrating on March the 3rd.