Shrubbery party: Miao villagers portraying savages with masks made of bark and cloaks made of vines to celebrate the Manghao Festival. — China Daily/ANN
NANNING: Miao ethnic villagers danced with lusheng (reed pipes) to celebrate the Manghao Festival in Anning village, Rong’an county, in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region.
The Manghao Festival is a grand ceremony celebrated on the ninth day of the lunar new year by Miao people to worship their ancestor Manghao, who is regarded as the god of good luck.
In ancient times, to protect their homes from bandits, Manghao and his neighbours dressed up as savages, wearing masks made of bark and cloaks made of local vines to scare the bandits and drive them away.
Nowadays, young Manghao players touch and pat others with boiler ash-covered hands to send good wishes.
The Manghao Festival attracts visitors and adds blessings for Spring Festival. — China Daily/ANN
