Another unique aspect of the folk art of Lahua performance lies in its accompaniment, as most of the musical instruments are those used in temples. According to the local people, Lahua music was stolen from a local temple, named "Radish Temple", which is located on a hillside in Xiangzuo Village of Jingxing County.

In the very beginning of Lahua performance, the local villagers danced and sang without music. As Lahua performance originated from fleeing famine and war, local people frequently visited the temples, wishing for the Gods to bless their peaceful life. In the process, they became familiar with the refreshing and graceful temple chant and hoped to employ it in the Lahua performance.

For the farmers, however, it was difficult to learn music, especially since many people were in there 60s when they started to learn it. With their stubbornness and perseverance, they were able to memorize it note by note, syllabus by syllabus, thus giving birth to Lahua music. In modern times when music forms are so rich and varied, Lahua music may sound a little unrefined. Nevertheless, to the local people, it sounds rather unconventional and unique.

There are two kinds of Lahua performance: Stilt Lahua performance and Ground Lahua performance.

In the former, the female performer performs on stilts. While performing, the performers have to stand on the tips of their toes, like that in ballet performing. Lahua performance on stilt is hard to learn and to master it requires tremendous effort. In the early day of the Republic of China (1911-1949), this type of Lahua performance reached its climax, and was officially named one of the four forms of "Welcoming the God" in Jingxing County. However, with the elimination of the custom of binding feet and the changes in people's aesthetic values, it went downhill and the performers were liberated from the stilts.

"Ground Lahua Performance", as its name indicates, refers to the Lahua performance staged on the ground. Compared to Stilt Lahua performance, this type of Lahua performance lacks the complex acrobatics-like performance and is thus widespread. With the increase of performers and the expansion of performance venues, the accomplishment of many dance movements and lineups relies much on performers' running, which cannot be practiced in Stilt Lahua performance. Therefore, Ground Lahua performance has thrived.

In today's Jingxing, people are still turning their energetic bodies to the time-honored Lahua music, both of which are vivid and pure outflow of their passion for life.

Author: Jessie