Folk legends of Guangxi Sanyuesan Festival

There are various folk legends surrounding the origin of the Zhuang people's Sanyuesan festival.

Legend of Liu Sanjie

Liu Sanjie is a legendary singer who was highly regarded by the Zhuang people. She was known for singing songs that praised labor and love while also exposing the wrongdoings of the wealthy. According to legend, on the third day of the third lunar month, Liu Sanjie was gathering firewood on a mountain when the henchmen of a wealthy landlord cut the vines that she was holding onto, causing her to fall to her death. In order to honor her, people gather on this day to sing and celebrate in a tradition known as the "song market."

Ancestral and Nature Deity Worship

The third day of the third lunar month is a traditional festival for the Zhuang people. On this day, they worship their ancestors and nature deities, such as the God of War (Zhenwu), while also celebrating the harvest.

Ancestral Worship and Entertainment Activities

Sanyuesan is a festival for ancestral worship and celebrating the harvest among the Zhuang people. On this day, the Zhuang people gather to sing, dance, swim, and practice martial arts, expressing reverence for their ancestors and gratitude to nature.

Inheritance of the Shangsi Festival

The festival is believed to origiante from the ancient Chinese "Shangsi Festival." This festival was established during the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220), and it evolved during the Jin Dynasty (AD 266-420) into various activities such as spring outings, waterside banquets, and drinking.

Furthermore, the Sanyuesan Festival is believed to be associated with Zhuang marriage customs, as some Zhuang people in specific areas hold wedding ceremonies on this day. This festival, celebrated in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, is not only a continuation of folk traditions but also a critical moment for people to pray, celebrate, and exhibit the Zhuang ethnic culture.