Fighting

 

“Fighting”, referring both the duel between animals and those between human beings, is a kind of folk activity preserved by many Guangxi ethnic groups.

There are various kinds of animal “fighting”, including horse fighting, bullfighting, cock fighting, bird fighting and dog fighting.

Horse fighting from the Miao people in Rongshui County is the most romantic and thrilling. It is indispensable to every traditional Miao festival. It refers to a duel between two stallions fighting for the love of a mare. They try their best to fight against each other with their hooves and mouths, which is enough to impress the audience.

Interpersonal “fighting” is the duel of strength, courage and skills. During Hua Pao Festival, Yao people fight for prizes symbolizing “treasures, descendants and honors” with their strength, courage and skills. For Miao and Dong people, playing Lu Sheng is not only an interest in music, but also a duel for displaying playing skills and winning the favor of the opposite sex. Unique in style, “fighting” adds something important to Guangxi ethnic culture.

Cai (treading)

Cai (treading) means Cai Tang (dancing and singing), Cai Gao Qiao (walking on stilts), or Cai Huo Hai Dao Shan (fire walking and standing on the blade with naked feet).

Guangxi ethnic groups enjoy the Lu Sheng Dance, also called Lu Shang Cai Tang, which is a combination of dance and singing. It is the typical way of expressing one’s friendliness through musical instruments, songs and dances.

Cai Gao Qiao of the Jing people reflects the close connection between Luo Yue culture and Han culture. Cai Gao Qiao La Wang indicates Zhuang peoples’ special coastal culture – attaching the same importance to dance and singing – which is quite different from the other ethnic groups.