Why China’s Bouyei ethnic group funerals include ritual ‘stealing’ of a pig – South China Morning Post

Report on the “Tou Zhu” Funeral Ritual of the Bouyei People and its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Development

This report examines the “Tou Zhu” (Stealing the Pig) funeral ritual, a unique cultural practice of the Bouyei ethnic minority in China. The preservation and understanding of such intangible cultural heritage are integral to achieving several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on reducing inequality, fostering sustainable communities, and promoting peace and social inclusion.

Demographics and Cultural Significance of the Bouyei Minority

The Bouyei people represent a significant cultural group whose traditions contribute to the diversity essential for inclusive societies, as outlined in SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

• Population: Approximately 3.5 million, making them the 10th largest of China’s 56 officially recognised ethnic groups.
• Location: Primarily reside in the southern Chinese provinces of Guizhou and Yunnan.
• Economic and Cultural Contributions: Renowned for intricate batik and embroidery, these crafts represent a vital form of cultural expression and a potential driver for sustainable local economies, aligning with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by promoting local culture and products.

The “Tou Zhu” Ritual: Safeguarding Intangible Heritage (SDG 11)

The “Tou Zhu” custom is a key component of the Bouyei people’s intangible cultural heritage. Its continuation is a direct contribution to SDG 11, Target 11.4, which calls for strengthening efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural heritage. The ritual transforms a period of sorrow into a communal experience of playful farce, reinforcing social bonds.

Ceremonial Process and Social Function

The ritual is part of a larger ceremony known as “Opening the Way,” which serves to guide the deceased into the afterlife while strengthening community ties, a cornerstone of SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

1. The Role of the Mogong: A ritual master, the Mogong, leads the ceremony by chanting from the “Book of Opening the Way” from dusk until dawn. This chant recounts the deceased’s life, providing a communal space for remembrance and grief processing.
2. Symbolic Conclusion: The all-night chant concludes with nine strikes on a bronze drum.
3. Transition to the Afterlife: A symbolic paper house, the lingfan, is pierced, signifying the opening of a path for the deceased’s spirit.

The inclusive nature of the procession, which involves both men and women, underscores the ritual’s role in promoting community cohesion and reflects principles related to SDG 5 (Gender Equality) by ensuring broad participation in cultural life.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Analysis

1. SDGs Addressed or Connected

• Based on the provided text, there are no Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that are directly addressed or connected to the issues highlighted.
• The article is a descriptive piece focusing exclusively on the “Tou Zhu” funeral ritual of the Bouyei ethnic minority in China. It details their cultural practices, population, and location.
• The content does not discuss any social, economic, or environmental challenges such as poverty, inequality, health, education, or environmental protection, which are the core focus of the SDGs. The article describes a cultural tradition but does not frame it within a context of development or sustainability challenges.

2. Specific SDG Targets

• As no specific SDGs can be identified from the article’s content, it is not possible to identify any corresponding targets.
• The article does not mention any efforts, policies, or challenges related to safeguarding cultural heritage (which might tenuously link to Target 11.4), nor does it discuss issues of social inclusion for minorities (related to Target 10.2). It simply describes a custom.

3. Indicators for Measurement

• Since no relevant SDGs or targets could be identified in the article, there are no indicators mentioned or implied that could be used to measure progress.
• The article provides factual information (e.g., population size of the Bouyei people) but does not present this data as an indicator for measuring progress towards any development goal. The text is anthropological and descriptive, not analytical in a developmental context.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Source: scmp.com