The unique Summer Solstice Festival on the Tropic of Cancer

Annual June 21th or 22th is the day of the summer solstice. This day, the sunlight is almost direct on the tropic of cancer, on which the highest latitude the sun can achieve on the northern hemisphere in a year. The longest day and shortest night appear on the northern hemisphere on this day. From sunrise to sunset, it’s around 14 hours at south of the northern hemisphere.

The tropic of cancer goes across the land in China for more than 2,000km, which is superior in natural geographical condition and rich in natural resource. Thereinto, Mojiang County is the only place where the tropic of cancer goes through the city. There is a tropic of cancer park built in Mojiang, which is the largest and most full-function in the world. Annual day of the summer solstice, teachers of Yunnan Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences always come to the park to lecture on some astronomical and geographical knowledge for tourists, and teach them to observe the sun with astronomical telescopes. Thus, tourists cannot only happily visit the travel spots, but also see the magic of the tropic of cancer, gain some general knowledge of astronomy and experience the astronomical spectacle of shadowless poling.

The main ethnic group in Mojiang County is Hani nationality who worships the sun and fire. Thus, in Mojiang, there must be ceremonies for worshiping the Sun God and picking up the sacred flame during every grand festival. At noon, the leader of Hanis and Mopi (the wizard) guide Yayos (young boys) and Yamis (young girls) to start the fire-worship ceremony. The ceremony is hosted by Mopi. He utters imprecation in Hani language, sacrifices the tributes, takes the sacred flame from the sacrifice pedestal and give it to the saintess to keep. In the evening, people all come to pedestal and are in line. Mopi takes the sacred flame to ignites Yayos’ torches one by one. Then, Yayos and Yamis run around the pedestal to pray for good luck and no disaster. They convey the sacred flame to the sun plaza and the bonfire party starts. Hanis sing their songs and dance Sanduojiao to celebrate the day of summer solstice in their unique way.

Excepting the summer solstice festival, there are various traditional festivals in Mojiang County as well. Thereinto, the China·Mojiang Tropic of Cancer International Twins Festival and Hani Sun Festival on every May Day has attracted the participation of tourists from home and abroad.

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