AN ANALYSIS OF BELIEFS AND RITES IN THE HUA-PO FESTIVAL OF THE ZHUANG TRIBE IN PU-MIAO SUB-DISTRICT, YONG-NING DISTRICT, NANNING CITY OF GUANGXI ZHUANG AUTONOMOUS REGION, GUANGXI PROVINCE, PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

Abstract

This research article aims to analyze beliefs and rites in the Hua-po Festival of the Zhuang Tribe in Pu-miao Sub-district, Yong-ning District of Nanning City. Qualitative research methodology, including documentary studies is folklore of the Zhuang people; observations; in-depth interviews such as community leaders, ritual practitioners, and devout villagers, In-depth interviews with selected and non-specific key informants of forty-three informants, and textual analysis are applied. The research finds three objectives of rites in the Hua-po Festival, including worshipping the Hua-po Goddess; recalling the Pu-miao Market Fair Day; and rain soliciting in the area of Pu-miao Sub-district, blessing for prosperity; peace; and fulfillment. Two types of the rite are practiced, namely the public rite which is interwoven between the local belief of the Hua-po Goddess and religious beliefs of Taoism and Buddhism. Another is the individual rite, continuously practiced by the Zhuang Tribe, which relates to beliefs in the Hua-po Goddess according to legends of the tribe. It is noted that both rites are based on beliefs in the Hua-po Goddess rooted from some true part of the legends; the beliefs and legends complete each other. Both the beliefs and legends significantly create confidence and pride in people causing studies of the root and cultural inheritance; showing identities; and solving problems of the society.