There is an ancient musical instrument, which has a history of more than 2,000 years. It is known as the "cultural symbol" of the Miao people, and it is the witness and inheritor of the Miao culture. It is the reed.

Today's Lusheng has a new identity. As one of the important business cards of Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village, the entire scenic spot is full of musical vitality, allowing tourists to enjoy the dual experience of sight and hearing.

Step into Xijiang, learn about this ancient folk musical instrument, and pursue the sounds that have traveled through thousands of years!

The past and present of Lusheng

Reed is a kind of reed instrument, as long as there are Miao people, there is reed. So where did this ancient musical instrument come from?

It is said that the reed originated in the Central Plains, and was formerly the "Yu" of the Han nationality. Later, with the changes of the times, it gradually spread to the villages where the Miao people lived, and became their favorite musical instrument. In the minds of the Miao people, the reeds are sacred and precious. During the festivals, they will play the reeds to express their joy.

Especially in Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village, which has always been known as the "Hometown of Lusheng", when you walk into the scenic spot, you can hear the brisk reeds anytime, anywhere. Interesting ethnic features reflect the unique ethnic customs.

How are reeds made?

The reed is light yellow as a whole and consists of a bucket, a pipe and a mouthpiece. Most of it is made of fir and white bamboo. During the production process, the whole blank material needs to be planed into two halves, and then all the insides are hollowed out. After being put into the pipe, the planed blanks are glued together and fastened to ensure that they can be tightly seamed. Finally, after the processes of painting, piercing, drying, and copper sheeting, the reed is completed.

How, does it sound simple? But it is no exaggeration to say that in order to truly make a hand-made reed, even a specialized reed maker would have to spend at least half a month to complete it.

The role of reeds

What are the uses of such difficult-to-make reeds?

For the Miao people, the reed plays an extremely important role. It is not only a musical instrument, but also a carrier of Miao culture, and has become an indispensable part of their lives.

1. The soul of song and dance

Since ancient times, the Miao people have always danced when they played the reed. Can you imagine the scene of hundreds of Miao people wearing silver ornaments and dancing to the tune of Lusheng?

On the reed field in Qianhu Miao Village in Xijiang, such a scene is staged almost every day. Dozens of reeds are played at the same time, and Miao girls wearing silver ornaments dance together. The scene is very spectacular. This is the "reed collective music and dance" in Qianhu Miao Village, and it is also a grand event of reed culture.

2. Pass on love and attract sweethearts

Lusheng is also an important "media" for young men and women to marry. When they meet a girl they like, the Miao boys will pick up their beloved Lusheng and walk to the girl's house at night when there is no one there, and play a song about love. Express your love in your heart.

If the girl who is embroidering at home hears it and happens to like the boy, she will open the window and respond with the singing of the Miao people. This is simply an artifact of "getting off the list"! Do you have?

And every September 27th of the lunar calendar, the Miao people will hold a grand reed festival. At that time, young men and women usually get together. If they like each other, they will give each other tokens and tell each other their good feelings.

3. Express the joy of the harvest

In the rice terraces of the Qianhu Miao people in Xijiang, when the harvest season comes, the Miao people often play the reed, not only to express the joy of a bumper harvest, but also to pray for good weather in the coming year.

In addition to these, as the most important musical instrument of the Miao people, the reed also plays many important roles in sacrifice, marriage, folklore, entertainment, etc. It is a veritable "all-rounder".

Thousands of years ago, Cao Cao wrote in "Dan Ge Xing", "I have guests, I drum and play the sheng", expressing the importance of the guests, so they should use music and music to rejoice with the guests.

So, after reading the basic introduction about Lusheng, will you feel different when you go to Xijiang to hear the tune of Lusheng?