The peacock dance is one of the most wide-spread ancient dances of the Dai ethnic group in Yunnan Province on the southwest border of China. Tropical weather and nature have nourished the Dai people's tradition and culture. They share their land with creatures of great variety. The beauty and kindness of the peacock inspires the Dai culture to a great extent and the Dai consider the peacock as a Goddess that can bring them peace and happiness. They pray for peace and happiness with graceful peacock dancing.
The peacock dance is the best-loved dance of the Dai. To the Dai the peacock is a symbol of good luck, happiness, beauty and honesty, so to perform this dance is to present a eulogy of and express good wishes for a happy life. It is mostly performed on the New Year (Water-splashing Festival) of the Dai calendar, at the Gate Closing Festival, the Gate Opening Festival and some important religious events.
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