Cultural Identity and Musical Heritage: The Role of Dai Folk Songs in the Water Festival of Xishuangbanna
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.60027/iarj.2025.289174Keywords:
Dai Folk Songs, Water Festival, Cultural Identity, Musical Heritage, EthnomusicologyAbstract
Background and Aims: The Water Festival in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province, is a central cultural and spiritual event for the Dai ethnic group, during which traditional Dai folk songs play a critical role in expressing cultural identity. This study aims to examine the role of Dai folk songs in representing the cultural identity and musical heritage within the Water Festival of Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province.
Methodology: This research employed a qualitative ethnographic approach combining in-depth interviews, participant observation, audio-visual recordings, and document analysis. Fieldwork was conducted with 26 informants on local musicians, cultural custodians, educators, and festival participants. Thematic analysis was used to identify key cultural, ritual, and educational functions of folk songs.
Results: Cultural representation—songs reflect local myths, Buddhist teachings, and historical consciousness; Ritual function—music accompanies sacred ceremonies such as almsgiving and the bathing of Buddha statues; Intergenerational transmission—songs are taught orally, through schools, and on digital platforms, balancing tradition with modern outreach. Figures and tables documented the integration of music in festival life and cultural preservation strategies.
Conclusion: Dai folk songs are vital in sustaining the cultural identity and musical heritage of the Dai people. Their adaptability across generations and platforms demonstrates resilience and offers a model for preserving intangible heritage in changing social contexts. These findings contribute to broader discussions in cultural preservation and ethnomusicology by illustrating how traditional music can remain meaningful and adaptive in the face of modern pressures.
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