| In the past, the Mulams believed in more than one gods. They had many festivals. Besides October and November, there were almost festivals each month.
The Yifan, or Xilehou is a greater festival, which takes place once every three years. It occurs on a lucky day after the Beginning of Winter.
The aim of the Yifan is to fulfill promises to the ancestors, pray for human and livestock's safety as well as bumper harvests. All people of the village perform Lion Dance, singing and playing dramas. It lasts three days. As it might affect the production, the celebration is seldom observed today.
Besides various entertainments on festivals, every family prepares ample foods such as chicken, duck, fish, meat and sticky rice. The food is also prepared in line with different seasons. The sticky rice is the main foodstuff of the festivals and happy events.
The Zamba (cooked glutinous rice pounded into paste) has to be made in case of the wedding ceremonies and a month after the baby is born. Bean curd and feast are also necessary. |
