Shehuo, originated from the ancient farming civilization, is a ritual to worship the god of the land and the god of fire.
Lingtai Shehuo - photo by Gou Jiabao
In ancient times, people believed that fire also had a "spirit" and regarded it as a sacred object with a special meaning, so they formed the concept of advocating fire. From the ancient worship of land and fire, the custom of sacrificial shrines and fire was born.
Lingtai Shehuo - Photo by Xia Jianping
Lingtai Society Fire - Photo by Xia Jianping The Song Dynasty poet Lu You once said: "Xiao Gu follows the Spring Society, and the clothes are simple and ancient." It can be seen that it lasts for a long time.
In the loess of Longdong, the exquisite charm of the stall Shehuo flows in the land of Qinlong, and in the hustle and bustle of gongs and drums, Shehuo floats in the hearts of the people of Lingtai with its unique artistic charm.
Lingtai Shehuo - Ma Wenjun photographing the social fire, playing the social fire, and watching the social fire is one of the projects that Lingtai people must "check in" during the Spring Festival, which embodies people's expectations and yearning for a better life. It is an important way for the people of Lingtai to celebrate the festival and pray for good luck.
Lingtai Shehuo - photo by Gou Jiabao
Lingtai Shehuo - Photo by Gou Jiabao Whenever night falls, people come one after another. Or on the street where the red lanterns shine high, or beside the wide road where the colorful lanterns are hung all over the place, in the noisy and lively sound of gongs and drums, the crowds are crowded, shoulder to shoulder, not afraid of the cold, and enjoy the wonderful social fire performances that show their magical powers, are full of tricks, and are wonderful. Smiling faces, thunderous applause, and endless cheers. Until the drumbeat slows down and the performance is paused, people rush to the next one.
Lingtai Shehuo - photo by Gou Jiabao
Lingtai Shehuo - Xia Jianping photographed in Lingtai, the Shehuo performance is also an important folk exchange activity, both men and women can participate. People experience national pride and cohesion through participation. During the viewing process, celebrate the arrival of the new year together.
Rooted in people's cultural genes, Shehuo not only contains the deep love of the Chinese nation for excellent culture, but also is one of the best witnesses of the Chinese culture that has been passed down from generation to generation.
Photo by Lingtai Shehuo - Ma Wenjun.
Photo by Lingtai Shehuo - Ma Wenjun.
During the Spring Festival, the children of Lingtai enriched this happy and joyful traditional festival with a variety of local customs. (Text: Wang Lixia).
*: Xinlingtai client.