Zhouzhuang hosts Spring Festival cattle drumming custom


(www.chinadaily.com.cn)

Updated: 2013-02-18

Zhouzhuang held a special Spring Festival custom known as the "drumming of spring cattle for New Year greetings" on the first day of the lunar calendar. The event attracted many tourists from home and abroad. More than 50 foreign tourists from South Korea and Malaysia enjoyed the special custom with Chinese tourists.

Zhouzhuang hosts Spring Festival cattle drumming custom

The "drumming of spring cattle for New Year greetings" parade attracted many tourists. Four strong men marched along the road carrying a golden "spring cattle" accompanied by other "gods", including the gods of fortune, prosperity and longevity.

Zhouzhuang hosts Spring Festival cattle drumming custom

After the host’s declaration, a Zhouzhuang master dressed in Ming Dynasty attire lit incense, sprinkled water, kowtowed and celebrated the "spring cattle". The actors dressed as the gods of fortune, prosperity and longevity also greeted the tourists.

It is said that if one receives some of the five cereals in the "spring cattle's stomach", they will bring good fortune for the whole family. Foreign and domestic tourists swarmed to catch the five cereals.

Maria, a girl from Russia, came to China to appreciate its Spring Festival customs.

The "drumming of spring cattle for New Year greetings" is an ancient custom in southeast China. Cattle are important during spring because they help people plow, guaranteeing food for the whole family.

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