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THE TORCH FESTIVAL IN YI NATIONALITY
The Yi nationality has a population of 3,350,000. It has the largest population of all the ethnic minorities in Yunnan. The Yi live mainly in Chuxiong Prefecture, the Ailao Mountains, the Wumeng Mountains, and the small Lianshan Mountains.
The Yi nationality has more than 100 diffrent sub-groups. Their clothing and personal adornments are very colorful. The Yi have their own spoken and written language.
On the 24th day of the sixth lunar month, when the handle of the Big Dipper turns upward, The Torch Festival, the Yi people's New Year according to the Yi calendar begins. Torches are lit at night to expel evil and to aid in prayers for prosperity. Many activities are held, including wrestling, bull fighting and horse-racing.
The festival originated from a legend about a battle between an ancient Yi hero and a devilish fiend. The hero wrestled and beat him. He taught his people to eliminate evils other forms of pestilence by enlisting the help of torches. From this time on, Yi people have prospered. The festival is held to commemorate this hero.
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