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www.chinaview.cn 2009-03-31 09:42:11 Print

BEIJING, March 31 -- Sunday was March the 3rd on China's lunar calendar. It's a traditional festival of Han, as well as many of the minority nationalities in China. People held various celebrations across the nation.

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 Sunday, and love was the theme of the performance.

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.

(Source: CCTV.com)


Editor: Sun Yunlong