Silkworm Flower Festival Offers Cultural Journey Through Time

As spring rains bless the landscape of eastern China, the rich tapestry of culture unfolds during the 28th Xinshi Silkworm Flower Festival, also known as "Ga Canhua." This time-honored celebration, which honors the revered silkworm deities, commenced on April 4 in Xinshi Ancient Town, located in Deqing County, Zhejiang Province. Running through the Qingming holiday weekend, this year's festival invites visitors to immerse themselves in captivating performances, innovative rituals, and eclectic cultural fusions.

The roots of this festive occasion trace back over a thousand years, deeply embedded in the sericulture traditions of the Hangzhou-Jiaxing-Huzhou region. Historical accounts from the Song Dynasty describe the town as "the Land of Silk," while local folklore attributes the festival's origins to the Spring and Autumn Period, where legend tells of the renowned beauty Xi Shi distributing silk flowers to bless mulberry pickers.

After a long hiatus of 63 years, the festival was revived in 1999 and earned the designation of Zhejiang provincial intangible cultural heritage in 2007. Today, it stands as a beacon of cultural identity, with locals believing that to walk upon the sacred grounds of Xinshi during the festival brings significant fortunes and blessings.

Unveiling a novel format, this year’s opening ceremony transformed the atmosphere at Xiantan Primary School into an immersive theatrical experience. Two characters, representing the theme of "youth returning to the countryside," guided the audience through the town's historical evolution via poetry, Yue Opera, and dance. The event reached its zenith with the entrance of the silkworm flower maidens during the Hundred Flowers Contest, followed by a dazzling palanquin procession.

The waterways of the town became a stage for the revival of ancient rites, featuring the "waterborne flower scattering" ceremony where silk blossoms floated downstream, symbolizing prayers for prosperous harvests. Furthermore, modern venues, such as the Canal Xintiandi observation deck, hosted blessing ceremonies, effectively bridging the time-honored "Ga Canhua" tradition into contemporary cultural sites.

The festival's modern vibrancy was particularly showcased at the Canal Xintiandi marketplace, boasting 60 stalls that displayed exquisite intangible heritage crafts and culturally creative products. The floating stage captivated visitors with stunning high-pole acrobatics, an engaging theater piece titled "Old Friends Under the Mulberry Tree," and lively "village karaoke" performances by the silkworm flower maidens.

Youth culture sparkled at the event through "fortune makeup" experiences, which provided visitors with traditional "pearl feather crowns" and hanfu costume rentals. Daily mini-palanquin processions offered tourists the enchanting opportunity to ride alongside costumed characters, with professional photographers capturing these moments for social media sharing. Additionally, the Blessings and Connections matchmaking event added a modern twist to the celebrations, creating a space for young singles to connect amidst the ancient rituals.

The festival embodies a harmonious blend of ancient practices and modern interpretations, illustrating how intangible heritage can remain relevant while retaining its essence. As overseas Chinese return to experience the festival, the event stands as both a vital remnant of agricultural civilization and a dynamic platform for cultural creativity and innovation.

With the silkworms and mulberry trees still integral to the landscape, Xinshi continues to intertwine its rich history with contemporary life. A local saying encapsulates the essence of this gathering: "Step on Xinshi ground, bring home treasure profound." As the ancient town extends its invitation to "Ga Canhua" during this Qingming Festival, it welcomes the world to witness how tradition, much like silk itself, grows richer and more robust with the passage of time.