Vegetable dance, also known as "dish-lifting dance", is a kind of custom and etiquette dance performed by Yi people when serving food to show respect for guests and create a happy atmosphere for them. There are two kinds of performers: vegetable guides and vegetable lifters. Originated from ancient sacrifices, it has been circulating in Nanjian Yi area for a long time.
Brief introduction of vegetable dance
When Yi people hold banquets and provide food, this dance is often performed to respect guests and increase the festive atmosphere. Accompanied by "sacred music", dancers dance with plates or trays, with rotating sleeves and various postures, sometimes stiff and sometimes swaying.
There are two common types of Yi people's skipping: "skipping during dinner" and "skipping during performance". "Skipping food at dinner" is based on "skipping food at dinner", and the main dance steps are various dance steps of singing.
According to the different ways of serving, "jumping vegetables at dinner" can be divided into three relatively independent and holistic forms: "jumping vegetables with your head", "jumping vegetables with your mouth" and "jumping vegetables with your hands" On June 7th, 2008, Yi people's mixed dishes were approved by People's Republic of China (PRC) and the State Council to be included in the second batch of national intangible cultural heritage list.
All the Yi villages in the five towns and three townships of Nanjian Yi Autonomous County have the custom of jumping vegetables, especially in Dong Xiaowan Town, Wuliangshan Town, Gonglang Town and Bixi Township. Villages all over Nanjian have been handed down from generation to generation, with strong artistic appeal, distinctive national personality and unique cultural connotation.