The Knife-Pole Festival Is celebrated by the Lisu people and is held on the eighth day of the second lunar month. It has a history stretching back several hundred years and originated when the Ming government sent a Han man named Wang Ji to drive away people from other ethnic groups which had set up in the Lisu area. On his way back from the mission, Wang Ji was killed. After this, the Knife-Pole Festival became the exclusive domain of the Lisu.
As well as Climbing the Knife Pole, activities include Diving into the Sea of Fire – walking barefoot across hot coals and even rubbing the coals over the body and rolling them in the hand. This is seen as a form of cleansing, intended to fend off troubles and disasters that may be tempted to happen in the coming year.
Climbing the Knife Pole involves dressing in red, including a red turban, then climb the knife ladder which measures 20 metres and holds 36 edged knives. A picture of Wang Ji is toasted and then the performer climbs the knife ladder. The first to reach the top is hailed with fire crackers and applause. Surprisingly, they don’t sustain even a scratch.
This ceremony has been officially designated as the Lisu people’s traditional festival.
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