Knife Pole Festival, China

Knife Pole Festival, China

The Knife-Pole Festival, China is celebrated on the eighth day of the second Chinese Lunar month. It was first observed in Yunnan Province as a sign of gratitude of the Lisu peoples towards Han who taught them to make knives.

The eve of the festival is celebrated with dance and a lot of bravery acts like jumping in the fire or walking barefooted on a pile of smoldering charcoal. These acts are done by well trained warriors. During the festival, the most popular activity is climbing a 20 meter high pole with sharp knives inserted into the pole. The climbers who take part in this activity start practicing such acts long time before the festivals, so that they can climb barefooted. Thousands of people from all over China gather here to witness these thrilling acts.

Some dance and music shows are also organized during the festivals. The Lisu people, dressed in their traditional clothes, perform folk dance. Women decorate their hair with pearls, coral, shells, and silver rings. The dresses have bright colored floral designs. It's a ritual among the Lisu men to carry knives, bows, and arrows with them all the time.

The Lisu food is often cooked with a lot of herbs. Herbs are mixed with wine and also meat while cooking.

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