 |
|
 |
 |
| Kinfe-Pole Festival |
|
|
It aims to memorialize a Han hero who was sent by the Ming government and managed to drive away other ethnic groups that intruded into the Lisu area. On the eighth, the hero named Wang Ji was killed by traitors on this way back to Beijjing, then capital of the Ming Dynasty.
On that day, people all dressed up and went in flocks to watch various activities including “Climbing Knife Pole” and “Diving into Fire Sea.” The performers are jumping and dancing over burned coal bare-footed and half-naked, imitating behaviors of animals. Other performers put on red clothes and red turban. They strided up to a knife ladder which measures 20 meters long and was tied with 36 edged knives. They kneeled down in front of a picture of Wang Ji, drank off a bowl of wine prepared for them and began climbing the knife ladder. The first who reached the top will be hailed with applause and fire cracks. Surprisingly, these men returned to the group safe and round, not with even the slightest scratch. The exciting and special memorial ceremony has been officially designated as the traditional festival for the Lisu people.