Tujia people celebrate Lantern Festival

By Ma Yuhan, Yichang International Communication Studio

Today is Lantern Festival, the final day of the Chinese New Year celebrations.

Tujia people in Yichang have their own unique ways of celebrating the Lantern Festival, such as “Drive away the Beasts” (gan mao gou) and “Eating Hairy Dog Tuanzi”.

“Drive away the Beasts” (gan mao gou) - 赶毛狗

In the evening of the Lantern Festival, people burn bamboo and straw to drive away "mao gou". Literally, “mao gou” means hairy dogs, but more broadly it means wild beasts that intend harm. By warding off evil spirits, people increase the chances of a prosperous and fruitful year.

People of all ages participate in the lively and joyful event, a tradition passed down from generation to generation.

There are several explanations of how “Gan Mao Gou” originated. The most common explanation is that foxes, wolves, weasels and other wild animals used to prey on livestock, crops, and even people. To protect themselves, people developed the “Gan Mao Gou” ritual to scare the beasts away. 
 

Tujia people host a "Gan Mao Gou” celebration at Shizhu Village in Yichang.
 

“Eating Hairy Dog Tuanzi” - 吃毛狗团子
 

Chinese people usually eat glutinous rice dumplings called yuanxiao, or tangyuan, during the Lantern Festival. However, they cannot be stored for long periods. To create a food that can be preserved and consumed at a later date, the Tujia people invented "Mao Gou Tuanzi" which literally means “hairy dog tangyuan”.

Originally, they were fermented glutinous rice cakes. Later, the recipe evolved to include cornmeal, wheat flour, glutinous rice flour, and potato flour. These ingredients are mixed into dough, which is then filled with various ingredients. After being steamed, they can be stored for two to three months.

After performing the “Gan Mao Gou” ritual, people would gather to eat Hairy Dog Tuanzi, to celebrate the expulsion of negative influences and enjoy a convivial moment together.