Jiuhe Village in Qonggyai County, Xizang, is abuzz with celebrations as the annual Wangguo Festival unfolds from July 30 to August 3. This vibrant festival, dedicated to honoring a bountiful harvest, surpasses the Tibetan New Year in significance within the region's agricultural communities.
The term 'Wangguo' combines 'wang,' meaning crops, and 'guo,' meaning to circle around, symbolizing the community's reverence for their land and the fruits it bears. Originating from the Yarlung Zangbo River valley, the tradition involves circling the fields as a ritual to invoke the blessings of the land god for a prosperous harvest.
On the festival's first day, each family selects a young member to 'circle the fields.' Dressed in festive attire, these youth join a colorful procession alongside peers carrying scriptures and barley wine, parading through the village's expansive fields. This spirited display not only strengthens community bonds but also preserves the rich cultural heritage of Xizang.
In addition to the procession, families conduct ceremonies where they burn mulberry, a symbolic act of praying for good fortune and a successful harvest. These traditions have transcended generations, now widely celebrated across rural and forested areas of Xizang.
Recognized as part of China's national intangible cultural heritage, the Wangguo Festival stands as a testament to the enduring agricultural practices and cultural identity of the region. As grains ripen and the fields flourish, Jiuhe Village showcases the harmonious blend of tradition and celebration, embodying the spirit of a community united by gratitude and hope for the future.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
