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Xibe nationals in Beijing celebrate Xiqian festival

(chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2010-05-31 17:03

According to the lunar calendar, April 18 is Xiqian festival for the Chinese Xibe ethnic minority. On May 29, more than 200 people of Xibe nationality in Beijing gathered together to celebrate the Xiqian festival. Traditional songs and dances were performed during the celebration.

Xiqian festival is a significant time for people of Xibe nationality. Before the 16th century, they had been living in the Songnen plains and the Hulunbuir prairie for generations. Until the mid-18th century, a vast conscript army was called up by the Qing government, as well as their families, for a total of 3,275 people. On the 18th of April, they were moved west to Yili of Xinjiang.

To remember this historic event, April 18 on the Chinese lunar calendar has become the Xiqian festival. Since then, people of Xibe nationality gather every year to celebrate.

People of Xibe nationality have their reserved culture and their own language, as well as their rich customs and religions. They live with Xinjiang people and other various nationalities, forming a unique regional and national culture.

Video: Zhang Xiao