Benzhu, Huoba Jie, and Fenghuang Mao: Cultural Identity of the Bai Ethnic Group Reflected in Folk Tales from Eryuan County, Dali Prefecture, Yunnan Province, the People’s Republic of China
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Abstract
This qualitative research aimed to analyze the ethnic identity of the Bai ethnic group as represented in folk tales from Eryuan County, Dali City, Yunnan Province, the People’s Republic of China. The sample consisted of 215 Bai folk tales from Chinese Folk Tales Series: Eryuan County Volume, Dali, Yunnan, in Yang Yilong’s version. These tales were related to the Bai ethnic group, featured Bai people as the main characters, and clearly reflected the ways of life and cultural practices of the Bai ethnic group. The data were analyzed based on Erik Erikson’s concept of ethnic identity and Roland Barthes’ theory of semiotics. The findings revealed three prominent aspects of Bai ethnic identity represented in the folk tales. First, Benzhu (本主), referring to local guardian deities, represented Bai ethnic identity through beliefs, traditions, and rituals. Second, the Huoba Jie (火把节), or Torch Festival, represented Bai ethnic identity through traditions and cultural practices. Third, Fenghuang Mao (凤凰帽), or phoenix hat, represented Bai ethnic identity through traditional clothing. These representations constitute distinctive markers of Bai ethnic identity that communicate the group’s sense of identity and cultural distinctiveness. Furthermore, the folk tales convey the cultural and social meanings of Bai ethnic identity through various signs and symbolic representations.
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