Source: CCTV.com

02-18-2009 08:48

Unique dance styles are another key part of China's intangible cultural heritage. Recently a two thousand year old folk dance known as He Lou has been revived in Yunan County of Guangdong Province. And local artists are greatly encouraged by its recognition as a National Intangible cultural Heritage last year.

Unique dance styles are another key part of China's intangible cultural heritage.
Unique dance styles are another key part of China's intangible
cultural heritage.

The unique Helou Dance originated among the Wuhu people in the Han Dynasty. At Lantern Festival, people would wear masks, hold coir bats and perform a wild dance while singing Helou folk songs. The dance was a celebration of the harvest after a year with favorable weather for crops.

The dance was a celebration of the harvest after a year with favorable weather for crops. 
The dance was a celebration of the harvest after a year with favorable
weather for crops. 

This 2000-year-old folk art also contains some of the mysteries of an old religion which shows ancient people's reverence of nature.

Experts believe the dance provides important clues to studying the area's ancient agriculture and lifestyles.

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Editor:Zhao Yanchen