As one of the ethnic groups with small populations in China,throughout history,Elunchun people have been living deep in the dense forests in the Basin of Heilongjiang River as well as in Lesser and Great Khinghan Mountains.Generation after generation,they make a living by hunting around.Such a distinctive life style and production has given rise to a unique conventional festival,namely,Gulunmuta Festival.
In the dialect of Elunchun Ethnicity,Gulunmuta means offering sacrifices to the God of Fire.Gulunmuta Festival evolves from the ceremony of worshipping the God of Fire.Throughout history,at festivals and on auspicious days,every household of Elunchun people will make a bonfire in front of their own houses,burn incenses,and kneel down,praying for security bestowed by the God of Fire.Besides,before meals,they also pour wine and throw meat into the fire,both of which are intended as sacrifices.A folk custom has been gradually fostered by being passed down from generation to generation.
Habitually,activities of Elunchun people's Gulunmuta Festival are held in every spring.Then households will ride horses to the destination fixed in advance,carrying along with good wine,meat and tents.During the festival,there will be abundant activities.In the daytime,there will be horse races,archery,shooting,wrestling,as well as artistic activities including singing,dancing,story-telling,playing chess,and playing wooden cards.At night,there will be a big bonfire around which shamans will dance in a trance,as a way to worship deities and ancestors.
