The Yi ethnic group, with a population of 7.76 million, is mainly distributed over the provinces of Sichuan, Yunnan and Guizhou, and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. It has rich culture heritage and a long history.

　　More than 4000 years before, the Yi’s ancestors had already created an accurate calendric system which separated one year into 10 months. Every two months is a season so there are five seasons a year. Each month has 36 days.

　　The left 5-6 days will be New Year Festival. Therefore according to the Yi nationality’s calendar the time that the earth turns around the sun will be 365.25 days. Considering the time when this calendar was born, this system is unbelievably amazing.

　　Yi nationality has many traditional festivals. However, the most important festival for Yi people is the Torch Festival.

　　On the 24th of the sixth lunar month is Torch Festival, and Yi people’s New Year according to Yi calendar begins. Torches are kindled at night to expel evil and pray for prosperity. Many activities are held, including wrestling, bull fighting and horse racing.

　　Further, Yi nationality is very famous for their beautiful silver ornaments. The finery of nationality differs in different regions.

　　heritage n. 传统

　　calendric adj. 日历的，历法的

　　expel v. 驱逐

　　e.g. Two attaches at the embassy were expelled from the country. 大使馆的两名随员已被驱逐出境.

　　wrestling n. [体]摔跤

　　ornament n. 装饰物

　　think about :

　　What is the most important festival for Yi people?

作者：佚名