Dai Folk Music in water festival Festival Xishuangbanna Yunnan Province, China

Abstract

The objectives of this Research were as follows: (1) to investigate the historical development of the Water Festival in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province, China; (2) to analyze the musical characteristics of Dai folk songs performed during the festival. This study employed qualitative research methods, including fieldwork, interviews with Three key informants, and the collection of historical and musical data by used interview form and observations form:

1. The Water Festival, known locally as "Pi Mai" or "Songkran," holds profound cultural and religious significance among the Dai people in Xishuangbanna. The festival, rooted in both animistic traditions and Theravada Buddhism, symbolizes purification, renewal, and communal unity. Over centuries, it has evolved from a localized agrarian ritual into a grand cultural event, blending traditional and modern elements. The festival serves as a key platform for the performance and transmission of Dai folk music.

2. The analysis of Dai folk music in the Water Festival reveals its distinct musical structure, lyrical themes, and instrumental characteristics. The festival songs typically follow a pentatonic scale, with simple yet expressive melodic patterns. The singing style emphasizes natural vocal timbres and emotional expressiveness. Traditional instruments such as the hulusi (gourd flute), elephant foot drum, and Mang Luó (铓锣) are commonly used, alongside modern additions like electronic keyboards and guitars.

-