Lusheng is an antique reed
instrument. The longest measures more than 1 zhang (1 zhang = 3.3
meters), while the shortest is less than 1 chi (1 chi = 1/3
meter). Some have a maximum of 10 reeds in one Lusheng, while others only have a
single reed or two reeds. The most popular Lushengs have six reeds, with a
forceful but low and deep tone, or a clear and melodious tone. During the long
history of the development of the Miao culture, the Lusheng has not only been
regarded as the symbol of their people but was also combined with dance music,
acrobatics and Wushu (martial arts), etc. As the culture communicated and
interacted with various national ethnic groups, the Lusheng dance also became
popular among the Dong, Shui, Buyi, Yao and Yi people.
The popular Lusheng dance was either
a women's dance accompanied by men playing or women and men dancing to their own
music. Also Wushu activities and some extremely difficult
acrobatic feats of the Miao people have been assimilated into the Lusheng dance
which is especially loved by the masses. Now the Lusheng dance has become the
necessary activity at the jubilant festivals of the Miao people.
The Baixi Lusheng Party of the Miao people
is also known as the February Lusheng Party Festival which takes place in mid
February of each lunar calendar year and lasts three days.
The participants in the festival's
entertainment are the Miaos from Diba, Xinqiao, Shuangjing and Wengxi in the
neighborhood, and Gulong, Xinzhou, Chong'an of Huangping County and Panghai of
Kaili City. The entertainment starts in Changshan Village of Baixi. The Lusheng Teams from
surrounding villages led by the senior of prestige go to the Gupa Slope of
Changshan Village and sound the Lusheng as they pray
for good weather and a bumper harvest.
On the second day, the entertainment venue
is moved to the Lusheng Level Ground in Tunshan Village where costumed girls perform the
Lusheng dance. In addition, a wood-thrush match is held by the middle-aged and
seniors. A horse race is also organized.