Dancing and singing, the Yi people and visitors had fun around the fire during the Torch (火把) Festival in Bijie, Guizhou Province, on August 12th. Every year, the Yi ethnic group (彝族) lights torches to show they look up to the fire.
The early Yi people lived in high and cold places in the mountains. They used fire for light to stay warm and cook food. One Yi ethnic old saying goes, “Everything you eat must ‘see’ fire. ” In the old days, people lit a small fire outside the door before they took animal meat into the home. They put the meat over the fire to drive away bad luck. Fire was also used to light leaves on the ground to make the land rich.
But the festival is more of a social event now. During the festival, both the Yi people and visitors come together. They show and spread their happiness and thanks for a good life. The Yi people also want to get more people to learn about their life.
【小题1】The Torch Festival in Bijie, Guizhou Province is held【小题2】The early Yi people lived in high and cold places
【小题3】To drive away
【小题4】Fire was also used to light leaves on the ground to make the land
【小题5】Now, the Torch Festival is more of a