What are the customs in Datong?

1. Folk paper-cutting

Folk paper-cutting is a very common mass art in Shanxi. This is how paper-cutting takes root among the people, is closely related to people's lives, and adds color and joy to thousands of households. A form of folk art. Passed down from generation to generation, a set of relatively complete and mature procedures in terms of aesthetic meaning and artistic expression has gradually been formed.

2. Shanxi Folk Shehuo

Folk Shehuo is a folk self-performance and self-entertainment activity during the Chinese traditional New Year's Day. It has a long history and originated from people's respect for the land and land during the Shanggu period. The power of fire. She is the god of earth; Huo is the ancestor of fire, the legendary god of fire. From this, the folk custom of offering sacrifices to society and fire came into being, and it has been passed down year by year to this day.

3. Weifeng gongs and drums

Weifeng gongs and drums originated in the Yao and Shun eras and flourished in the Sui and Tang Dynasties. It is said that Li Shimin, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, fought against Liu Wu and Zhou general Wei Chigong in Huozhou. He won a great victory with majestic gongs and drums and military formations. Then it spread among the people. Ganxi celebrated ceremonies, gatherings, social fires, welcomed gods and dispelled evil spirits.

4. Make a prosperous fire

Datong area is rich in coal resources, which is bound to have various connections with the local people's clothing, food, housing and transportation. Therefore, the role of coal has penetrated into customs and customs as far back as ancient times, among which making a strong fire is a local custom. Every Spring Festival and New Year's Eve, large pieces of coal are used to build a tower-like shape in front of the courtyard of every household, which is called a prosperous fire. It is for good luck and wishes for prosperity throughout the year.

5. Tour of the Eight Immortals

The Tour of the Eight Immortals is a unique folk activity in Datong. It began in the Ming Dynasty. Every year on the eighth day of the first lunar month, local families will gather together with their young and old together. In temples and Taoist temples, people pray for health and peace in the coming year. There is a saying that "traveling to the Eight Immortals will cure all diseases". On the streets of Datong City, a steady flow of people filled the streets and alleys, and citizens went out of their homes to experience the joy of the Spring Festival.