The Torch Festival is a festival of the Yi people, originating from the ancient tradition of the Yi people worshiping the God of Fire.

According to legend, the Torch Festival was first held to pray for a good harvest and blessings, and later evolved into a folk activity to celebrate and express good wishes.

Time and place of the Torch Festival The Torch Festival is generally held on the 15th day of the first lunar month every year. It is one of the most grand festivals of the Yi people.

The Torch Festival takes place in various Yi inhabited areas in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, the most famous of which is the ancient city of Dali.

The operating steps of the Torch Festival can be divided into three parts: preparation, lighting and burning.

Preparation: The night before the Torch Festival, Yi people will prepare torches in their homes.

The materials for making torches are usually bamboo and straw, and the production method is to tie the bamboo and straw together and then tie them tightly with cloth strips.

Torches come in different sizes and shapes, some are 3 meters long, while others are only about 1 meter long.

On the night of the Torch Festival, the Yi people will gather in the market or square to light torches.

Before lighting a fire, the Yi people will perform some traditional rituals, such as offering flowers and offering sacrifices.

Then, an elder lights a large torch, and others light their own torches in turn.

After burning and lighting the torch, the Yi people will hold the torch and walk around the market or square three times, then put down the torch and let it burn out.

While the torches are burning, the Yi people will shout slogans of spring returning to the earth and all things reviving, expressing their yearning and prayers for a better life.

The significance of the Torch Festival The Torch Festival is a way for the Yi people to express their good wishes and pray for blessings, and it is also an important part of the Yi culture.

On the Torch Festival, the Yi people will wear traditional Yi costumes, dance traditional dances, taste traditional food, and celebrate this festival that belongs to the Yi people together.

Conclusion The Torch Festival is one of the grandest festivals of the Yi people and an important part of the Yi culture.

Through the traditional folk activity of the Torch Festival, we can better understand the profound and profound Yi culture and feel the enthusiasm and boldness of the Yi people.