Exploring the cultural value of Shanxi's She Huo Festival
- By Lu Cairong
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E-mail China.org.cn, February 22, 2012
Maintaining cultural strength
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China International Publishing Group (CIPG) Vice President Lu Cairong joined in a local celebration of She Huo Festival in Jinzhong, a city in Shanxi, Feb. 6, 2012. [China.org.cn] |
In China, Spring Festival is typically a holiday for individual family reunions, but in Shanxi province, "She Huo" cultural activities emphasize getting outdoors, socializing with neighbors and finding joy in their communities.
"She Huo" festivities in Jinzhong and Zuoquan start at the beginning of the lunar New Year and last for about a month. This year's Jinzhong's She Huo Festival focus on the features of winter tourism and folk culture, presenting events such as a cultural temple fair, "She Huo" ritual exhibit and performance, traditional drama, Yuci ancient city prayers and more. Zuoquan County designed its own street parade and performances, dramas, a Spring Festival lantern exhibit, bonfire tour, and music and fireworks gala based around the theme of "Rising Zuoquan, Singing for Future". The activities were organized in every county, town and village to ensure that everyone can participate in the festivities.
According to Zuoquan cultural bureau director Wang Jianjun, Zuoquan County compiled a special textbook in 2008 to popularize the local Xiaohua Opera in local schools. Every June, the county holds a cultural month where folk songs and Xiaohua Opera competitions are performed. The county collaborates with The China Conservatory of Music to train performers. The government even provides a special fund to support its best folk artists. Zuoquan's efforts have made it one of the top ten counties in Shanxi Province for cultural heritage.
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Fireworks fill the sky for the conclusion of the Lantern Festival in Jinzhong, Shanxi Province, Feb. 6, 2012. [Photo: China.org.cn] |
Jinzhong's She Huo Festival, which has thrived for thousands of years, reminds people of the value, significance, and strength of traditional culture. Culture has sometimes taken a backseat to politics, but great traditions will always see their renaissance. For example, Zuoquan's bonfire tour was interrupted for 20 years due to the impact of modern culture, but when the time of culture revival and prosperity came, and when China started to boost its cultural development, the ancient tradition was revived and creatively reborn.
As traditional culture in Shanxi's Jinzhong City has developed, the local community has evolved and reinvented itself. Much like Festivals are important to cultures all over the world, Shanxi's She Huo festivities remain a cornerstone of the life in the region as society moves forward towards a new horizon.
Lu Cairong is the Vice President of China International Publishing Group (CIPG).
Translated by Zhang Rui for China.org.cn
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