(Jingpo ethnic members joining the dance)
Date: 5-7 February, 2012
Place: Mangshi City, Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture
Programmes:
Gala evening-The Flaming Jingpo
Munaozongge Dance joined by thousands
Jingpo ethnic brocade competition
Jade-ore gambling
Jingpo Miss World Pageant
And other activities include show of Jingpo ethnic literature, calligraphy, painting and photo, and local special products exhibition etc.
What's "Munaozongge"?
Munaozongge is the most important traditional festival of the Jingpo people. “Munao” in the language of Jingpos means “let’s dance together”. The festival is normally spent on lunar January 15th, and lasts for three to five days. Jingpos from near and far would get together for their carnival then.
Munaozongge is staged on a square where Jingpos have to arrange Munao Poles. The Poles are designed or flanked with different symbolic patterns. Ferns: fern sprouts look like fists, and leaves resemble lining arrows; so ferns are symbol of union and progressing. Swords: symbol of bravery and fortitude. Himalaya: said to be where Jingpos originate. Crops and live stocks: symbol of pursuit for bight future and well-off life. Gongs and other musical instruments: symbol of auspiciousness. Fences: symbol of triumph, etc.
(The S-shaped dancing route)
During a Munaozongge performance, two Jingpo men, in their traditional costumes and wielding their swords, will lead the participants who are organized in an “S” dancing route as a whole. The “S” route is said to be the migrating route of their ancestors. Jingpo people also offer gifts to members of other minorities, such as eggs, rice wine, and cakes made from glutinous rice, etc.
It’s said that Munaozongge has enjoyed a long history. Legend goes that Munaozongge was imparted by the Sun God. Ningguanwa, a hero, was told by his parents: “when we pass away, you must deliver our souls by staging dances. We will then transform into earth and you could become human being and multiply.” So he headed for the Sun Kingdom to learn how to dance. On the way, he noticed that flocks of birds were performing under a tree “Munao” Dance taught by the Sun God. He quickly mastered the dancing skills and painted the dancing steps on chestnut poles. He afterwards organized the first Munaozongge at the foot if Himalaya.
Travel tips
(1)-Both flights and overnight bus rides available from Kunming to Mangshi City;
(2)-Mangshi is the capital city of Dehong Prefecture; it was formerly named Luxi City
