Linxia "Huaer"

"Huaer" is a type of mountain song that originated in the ancient Hezhou region and spread among various ethnic groups such as the Han, Hui, Tibetan, Dongxiang, Bao'an, Sala, Tu, and Yugur, in Gansu, Qinghai, Ningxia, and other provinces and regions. It is sung in Chinese and influenced by traditional music from different ethnic groups such as the Qiang, Tibetan, Han, and Tu. Due to differences in musical characteristics, lyrical structure, and regions of transmission, "Huaer" is divided into two main types: "Hezhou Huaer" and "Taomin Huaer".

The content of "Huaer" is rich and diverse, with a lively and free-spirited form. The lyrics are vivid and imagery-rich, and the melodies are uplifting and beautiful, reflecting a strong sense of local life and characteristics. It is deeply loved by people of all ethnicities and is regarded as the "soul of the Great Northwest" and the "living Book of Songs". It is an important part of Linxia's traditional culture.

The origin and development of "Huaer" can be traced back to the fusion of ancient Qiang and Han folk songs. It gradually took shape through the performances of Qiang, Tibetan, and Han people during the Sui and Yuan dynasties. From the Ming Dynasty to the Republican era, the collective creation and communication by the multi-ethnic groups such as the Hui, Dongxiang, Bao'an, Sala, and Tu who lived in the Hezhou region of Gansu allowed "Huaer" to mature and spread widely. It became a beloved folk song that reflected the social life and emotional world of the various ethnic groups in the northwest, earning the reputation of an "encyclopedia".

The birth, development, and prosperity of "Huaer" have always been inseparable from the local people's lives and the cultural atmosphere in which it thrives. The singing of "Huaer" takes various forms, including solo, choral, and duet. "Lianhua Mountain Huaer" is a form of duet. The most exciting and expressive form that showcases the singer's level of skill and passion is the male-female duet, which is the primary performance style of "Hezhou Huaer". Male-female duets not only serve as a narrative form in folk songs but also facilitate dialogue and communication through musical language. This has become a unique spiritual lifestyle for local people. Also, one distinctive feature of "Hezhou Huaer" is the use of accompanying lyrics, which complement and enhance the main lyrics. They often incorporate languages of different ethnic groups such as Sala, Dongxiang, Bao'an, Tibetan, and Arabic. This not only adds artistic charm and appeal to "Huaer" but also highlights its ethnic and regional characteristics.

In Linxia, besides spontaneously singing "Huaer" during fieldwork, grazing in the mountains, or on journeys, people also hold grand "Huaer festivals" at specific times and locations each year. These traditional gatherings serve as a natural stage for singers of various ethnic groups in the northwest to exchange emotions, showcase their singing skills, and express themselves. In Linxia, the "Lianhua Mountain Huaer Festival" in Kangle County, the "Songmingyan Huaer Festival" in Hezheng County, and the "Gaixinping Huaer Festival" in Jishishan County are well-known for their large number of participants and grand scale. There are also influential Huaer festivals such as the "Bingling Temple Huaer Festival" in Yongjing County, the "Sigou Huaer Festival" and the "Bancaoling Huaer Festival" in Hezheng County. Folk instruments such as "mimi" and suona often resonate at these Huaer gatherings, creating a lively vibe. In addition to singing or performing Huaer, these gatherings also include temple fairs, "Langshan" activities, sightseeing, and commercial activities. They serve as a collective interaction platform for diverse ethnic and religious groups living in the region, forming a unique folk cultural event that embodies the values of multicultural exchange and emotional integration.