Nanyang exhibition promotes rural traditions

An exhibition celebrating Chinese folk traditions related to the arrival of springtime has been held at the Neixiang Local Magistrate's Office Museum in Nanyang, Henan province.

One of the traditions on display is called "whip the spring ox", an ancient ritual now only prevalent in rural areas, whereby local leaders symbolically whip a clay ox to announce the beginning of the farming season and their hopes for a rich harvest. According to the custom, villagers will then smash the pottery cow and take a piece to sprinkle on their fields for good luck.

Documents related to the practice of this custom date back to the Western Zhou Dynasty (c.11th century-771 BC). Due to the regional importance of the tradition, it has been listed as a provincial intangible cultural heritage.

The exhibition presents and explains the 24 solar terms used by agrarian communities in China to stay synchronized with the seasons. Terms relate to a specific astronomical event or natural occurrence, such as the summer solstice or frost descent. These terms were placed on a wheel at intervals of 15 degrees and aided farmers in keeping track of the seasons.

The exhibition explains the origins of traditions such as these in China and uses photo displays and poetry to provide museum visitors with a well-rounded impression. There is also an array of clay sculptures and a recreation of the cow flogging ritual.

The exhibition took three months to prepare and it is hoped that this exhibition will expose Nanyang residents to some rich regional traditions.

The exhibition at Neixiang Local Magistrate's Office Museum. [Photo/dahe.cn]

A performance of "whip the spring ox" held at the Historic and Cultural Block of Neixiang Local Magistrate's Office. [Photo/dahe.cn]