| Beijingshanghaichina » Ethnic Minority Festivals of China » Knife-Pole Festival of Lisu |
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Knife-Pole Festival of Lisu |
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The Knife-Pole Festival of Lisu is held on the 2nd day of the lunar month, preferably the second one. The time coincides with the English month of March. It is held in the region of the Yunnan Province. Being one of the traditional festivals of the Lisu ethnic community, the festival of Knife-Pole wishes good luck to every member of the Lisu family. Bravery in China is described in a quote: 'climbing the Knife Mountain and diving into the Fire Sea' and it is this quotation that is vividly depicted in this Knife-Pole Festival. The festival is celebrated by lighting a huge bonfire and people dance around it to a joyous music. Later, in the eve some of the men from the Lisu community leap inside the fire to blow it out. The legend says that, it is this act of bravery, which keeps all the dangers of natural calamities at bay.
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This is only one half of the festival, the other half is more interesting and draws the largest number of spectators. A number of 20 meter high poles are fixed to the ground with 72 sharpest of knives attached to them.
The pole is to be climbed after drinking a cup of wine. Below the people burn fire crackers and cheer the brave hearts. This has now become the national sport of the Lisu community.
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