Where life is one long epic song

Endless fields of rapeseed flowers in full bloom are not the only attractions of Luoping, in eastern Yunnan province.

Visitors can also get a close look at the Bouyei people, who have lived in Luoping since the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC).

The Bouyei have no written language, so traditions are passed on orally through songs. For instance Bouyei Muo Jing (Epic of Bouyei) is an ancient song that describes the origin and evolution of this ethnic group, their lifestyle and major historical events.

Music plays a significant role in the everyday lives of the Bouyei and songs can be heard at weddings, funerals and traditional festivals.

It is through songs that mothers instruct their daughters how to weave, cook, raise children, and get on with their husbands and in-laws.

In Bouyei tradition, everyone is expected to be a good singer, especially of love songs. Those found wanting are often put through training with the village's master singers.

The Bouyei rarely express their feelings directly in their songs, which are usually filled with metaphors.

Young men and women from a humble family may sing about how poor their family is, or how ugly they are, while praising the other. They try to win over their love's interest by pretending to be uninterested or unworthy.

Besides songs, the Bouyei are also known for their folk music instruments.

The bronze, wooden and skin drums are used on various occasions such as funerals and family gatherings.

Bamboo tube music is another distinctive feature of their culture.

A special instrument used for this type of music is the "sister bamboo flute" made of two bamboo tubes. The unique sound it creates is like a combination of flute and strings.

China Daily

(China Daily 03/03/2011 page19)