Folk Art · Traditional Customs
Shaanxi Shehuo - A Grand Celebration on the Loess Plateau
Spectacular performance of Shaanxi Shehuo, showcasing rich folk customs and traditional culture
Spectacular performance of Shaanxi Shehuo, showcasing rich folk customs and traditional culture
Shaanxi Shehuo is an ancient folk art form popular in Shaanxi Province and an important part of Chinese traditional culture. "She" refers to the earth god, while "Huo" means prosperity and liveliness. Originating from ancient people's sacrificial activities to the earth god, Shehuo has gradually evolved into a folk carnival celebration during the Spring Festival.
With a long history and diverse forms, Shaanxi Shehuo combines various artistic elements such as dance, music, acrobatics, and opera, showcasing strong local characteristics and national styles. During traditional festivals like Spring Festival and Lantern Festival, grand Shehuo performances are held in urban and rural areas throughout Shaanxi, becoming one of the most attractive folk activities in the region.
Stilts are one of the most common forms of Shaanxi Shehuo. Performers wear traditional costumes and walk on stilts of varying heights, some reaching over 3 meters. They can complete complex movements such as jumping, flipping, and dancing on stilts, which is truly amazing.
Also known as "Horse Shehuo," performers wear wooden masks and ancient costumes, portraying historical figures or characters from myths and legends. The facial makeup is colorful and exaggerated, with different colors representing different character traits—red for loyalty and bravery, black for integrity, white for cunning, and so on.
Shaanxi Shehuo is not only a form of folk entertainment but also a folk carrier rich in cultural connotations, with multiple cultural significances:
First, Shehuo embodies folk beliefs, carrying people's yearning for a better life and reverence for deities. Second, most Shehuo performances are based on historical stories, myths, legends, and folk life, serving as an important way to spread traditional culture. Additionally, Shehuo activities are usually organized with the participation of villagers, enhancing community cohesion and preserving collective memories.
In modern society, Shaanxi Shehuo has become an important part of intangible cultural heritage, receiving attention and protection from the government and society, and serving as an important window to showcase Shaanxi's folk culture.
During the Spring Festival each year, the Xi'an City Wall hosts grand Shehuo performances, bringing together Shehuo masters from various parts of Shaanxi. With rich and diverse performance content, it's an excellent choice to experience Shaanxi Shehuo culture.
Performances are usually held at the South Gate Barbican and on the city wall. Visitors can watch various high-difficulty Shehuo performances up close and experience the rich festive atmosphere.
Baoji is one of the regions where Shehuo is most popular in Shaanxi, and the Shehuo performances in Chencang District are particularly distinctive, earning it the reputation as "the hometown of Shehuo in China."
During the Lantern Festival every year, Chencang District holds large-scale Shehuo parade activities, with dozens of Shehuo teams performing along the streets. The spectacular scene attracts thousands of spectators.
Yuanjia Village is a famous folk cultural tourism village in Shaanxi. Here, visitors can not only watch authentic Shehuo performances but also participate in experience activities such as Shehuo facial makeup painting and costume making.
For tourists who want to deeply understand Shehuo culture, Yuanjia Village is an ideal place to get close to Shehuo artists and learn about the stories behind Shehuo.
Shehuo in northern Shaanxi is usually combined with Ansai waist drum, forming a unique artistic style. Performers wear distinctive northern Shaanxi costumes, hold waist drums, and dance while beating, creating a magnificent atmosphere.
During the Spring Festival, waist drum Shehuo performances are held throughout northern Shaanxi, with performances in Ansai and Yanchuan being the most famous, showcasing the bold and unconstrained spirit of the people in northern Shaanxi.