Nadun value

The Tu people have their own spoken language. Their language, which is comprised of three dialects, belongs to the Mongolian branch of the Altaic language family. The Tu people have no written alphabet. Nadun is a good chance for researchers to realize Tu’s history, economy, religion, culture and etc. it is beneficial for maintaining Tu’s tradition and raise its ethic values.

Nadun carnival also attracts tourists both at home and abroad to visit the Sources of Three Rivers (Changjiang, Huanghe and Lancangjiang River). It offers a good business opportunity for promoting local economy.

During the festival, Tus visit friends and hold party with family members, which is a good way to maintain steady and harmonious society.

Status quo of Nadun

In ancient times, the Tu people engaged in sheep ranching and other animal husbandry. In the late Yuan Dynasty and early Ming Dynasty, farming developed very quickly and the Tu people transitioned to farming with animal husbandry as a secondary form of livelihood. After harvest in autumn, people had much time to enjoy the festival. However, with the development of economy, many youths go to work in other places after autumn harvest, thus they have no time to participate in it. All the old performers are above 80 years old and some has gone. It’s quite dangers to have no successors of Nadun, which should draw government’s and social attention.

1 We can put market operation into Nadun and perform in national wide, which may bring both economic and social value.

2 Make records of Nadun villages, performers, and handicrafts.

3 entitle Nadun-preserving villages, such as Songjia Nadun and Zhujia Ndun.

4 Increase the realization of protecting Nadun , set course for students to learn ethnic culture and tradition, and train their social responsibility.

5 Cultivate folk artist and Nadun protectors.

6 Cooperate with colleges and institutions, do research of Nadun value, edit books, select excellent Nadun actors and scholars.

7 Award people who have special contribution in protecting Nadun, performing, collecting information and doing research.

8 Construct a website to publish Nadun carnival, and increase its popularity.