How much do you know about Lishui’s custom of jumping over the fire

Apart from crossing the Tongji Bridge, what other customs do you know about on the Lantern Festival? On the 15th day of the Lunar Year, there is always an activity called “jumping over the fire” held in Chi Cun, Lishui town. Villagers hope for a smooth and steady life by participating in this activity.

It’s said that the custom of jumping over the fire has lasted for over 300 years. According to the legend, long time ago people here were living a poor life due to a drought in the village. Hence they thought of an idea of using the burning fire to banish the evil and pray for a healthy and steady life. Gradually it has become a custom of people from different families gathering together. Committees and groups in the village attach much importance to protect this custom culture and it has already applied successfully for the intangible cultural heritage projects in Nanhai.

People’s hall is very crowded in Chishan on the 15th day of the Lunar Year

Every 15th day of the Lunar Year, the elders in the village will lead their teachers and pupils to organize the lion dancing and accept salutes from all the families. After this activity, lion dance team will give a Caiqing performance in the street or on the playground. In the evening of that day, all families will hang the lanterns high in their house, and all of them will have a banquet.

Villagers will make a straw heap in the middle of the road, with the flaming fire burning stronger and stronger. People run from a far distance and quickly jump over the fire. Their movements are like Li Xiao Long and Liu Xiang etc., People can’t help having a try on it with the great cheer among people.

Now not only the villagers attend this special activity, people coming from other places can also join in it. It can reach almost 1000 people who participate in the activity, hoping their life in the new year would be restful.

Written By Eleanor