The Hulusheng music instrument of Lisu ethnic in Yunnan, China

Wei Yin; Noppon Chaiyason; Khomkrich Karin; Suthasinee Theerapan

doi:10.31893/multiscience.2025555

Keywords:

Abstract

This article aims to investigate the development and cultural significance of the Hulusheng in Lisu society . This study adopts a qualitative research method, with interviews and field observations as the main tools for data collection. respondents were interviewed in the field and the collected data were analyzed. The Hulusheng, a traditional musical instrument of the Lisu ethnic group in Yunnan, China, holds profound cultural and historical significance. With a history spanning over 2,000 years, this unique instrument has played a central role in the musical, social, and spiritual traditions of the Lisu people. It is considered one of the most significant traditional instruments among the diverse ethnic groups of Southwest China.The Hulusheng has been recorded in historical texts and archaeological findings from various dynastic periods, including the Shang, Han, Tang, and Song dynasties. Throughout these eras, it retained its ritualistic and ceremonial functions, often being used in sacrificial rites, religious ceremonies, and court music. Beyond these sacred contexts, the instrument also became a fundamental part of social celebrations, festivals, and communal gatherings, where it was used to accompany traditional dances and songs.Over time, the Hulusheng evolved in both design and musical expression, adapting to the changing cultural landscape of China while preserving its essential characteristics. Today, it continues to be played in weddings, cultural festivals, and traditional performances, showcasing its resilience and importance in modern Lisu society. Its enduring presence highlights its role as a living heritage, linking the past with the present. Through ongoing transmission and revitalization efforts, the Hulusheng remains a cherished symbol of the Lisu people's cultural identity, ensuring that its music and traditions persist for future generations.
References
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2. Chen, L., & Sheng, L. (2023). A study on the music iconography of the Hulusheng in the Dianyitu. School of Music and Dance. Yunnan Normal University, YN.
3. Gao, W. (2023). The spatial and temporal field and musical form characteristics of the Lahu Hulusheng dance music: A case study of the Lahuna Hulusheng dance music in Lancang. Journal of Guizhou University (Art Edition), (02), 103-112. https://doi.org/10.15958/j.cnki.gdxbysb.2023.02.013
4. Li, D. (2023). The legend of the gourd sheng among various ethnic groups in Yunnan and the identity of Chinese culture. Modern Commerce and Industry, (12), 12-14. https://doi.org/10.19311/j.cnki.1672-3198.2023.12.005
5. Li, Y., & Chaiyason, N. (2024). Chinese Folk Music Literacy: A Study on the Liu Sanjie Ge Yao Folk Music in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. International Journal of Education and Literacy Studies, 12(4), 143-150. https://doi.org/10.7575/aiac.ijels.v.12n.4p.143
6. Liu, J. (1997). the Making of the Lahu Hulusi and Its Folk Transmission. Institute for Nationalities (Philosophy and Social Sciences Edition), Kunming, China.
7. Luo, Y. (2022). Research on the origin and development of Hulusheng and its application in contemporary folk music. Masterpieces Appreciation. Xinghai Conservatory of Music. https://shorturl.asia/NhS1u. Accessed on December 09, 2024.
8. Musical instrument of Yunnan people, (2024). gourd made of bronze and The Hulusheng music instruments and Dancers. Yunnan Provincial Museum. https://shorturl.asia/r52Tv. Accessed on January 11, 2025.
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11. Yang, C. (2022). Hulusheng. Yunnan Normal University. National Art , https://doi.org/10.16564/j.cnki.1003-2568.2022.03.019.
12. Zhao, C. (2012). Historical research on the Miao Lusheng and its reform and development status. Musical Instruments. https://shorturl.asia/oWcrq. Accessed on February 21, 2024.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

How to cite

Yin, W., Chaiyason, N., Karin, K., & Theerapan, S. (2025). The Hulusheng music instrument of Lisu ethnic in Yunnan, China. Multidisciplinary Science Journal, 7(11), 2025555. https://doi.org/10.31893/multiscience.2025555

[1] Chaiyason, N. (2021). Khmer Music: the Foundation of Cultural Resources and Conservation. Journal of Cultural Approach, https://so02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/cultural_approach/article/view/245360. Accessed on October 15, 2024.

[2] Chen, L., & Sheng, L. (2023). A study on the music iconography of the Hulusheng in the Dianyitu. School of Music and Dance. Yunnan Normal University, YN.

[3] Gao, W. (2023). The spatial and temporal field and musical form characteristics of the Lahu Hulusheng dance music: A case study of the Lahuna Hulusheng dance music in Lancang. Journal of Guizhou University (Art Edition), (02), 103-112. https://doi.org/10.15958/j.cnki.gdxbysb.2023.02.013

[4] Li, D. (2023). The legend of the gourd sheng among various ethnic groups in Yunnan and the identity of Chinese culture. Modern Commerce and Industry, (12), 12-14. https://doi.org/10.19311/j.cnki.1672-3198.2023.12.005

[5] Li, Y., & Chaiyason, N. (2024). Chinese Folk Music Literacy: A Study on the Liu Sanjie Ge Yao Folk Music in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. International Journal of Education and Literacy Studies, 12(4), 143-150. https://doi.org/10.7575/aiac.ijels.v.12n.4p.143

[6] Liu, J. (1997). the Making of the Lahu Hulusi and Its Folk Transmission. Institute for Nationalities (Philosophy and Social Sciences Edition), Kunming, China.

[7] Luo, Y. (2022). Research on the origin and development of Hulusheng and its application in contemporary folk music. Masterpieces Appreciation. Xinghai Conservatory of Music. https://shorturl.asia/NhS1u. Accessed on December 09, 2024.

[8] Musical instrument of Yunnan people, (2024). gourd made of bronze and The Hulusheng music instruments and Dancers. Yunnan Provincial Museum. https://shorturl.asia/r52Tv. Accessed on January 11, 2025.

[9] Wang, W. (2008). Bamboo musical instruments in intangible cultural heritage Part 2.China National Knowledge Infrastructure. https://shorturl.asia/9I3he. Accessed on October 26, 2024.

[10] Wu, Q. (2019). the inheritance, protection and innovative development of Hulusheng in the context of “intangible cultural heritage. Wuhan Conservatory of Music. https://shorturl.asia/Os2iQ. Accessed on October 21, 2024.

[11] Yang, C. (2022). Hulusheng. Yunnan Normal University. National Art , https://doi.org/10.16564/j.cnki.1003-2568.2022.03.019.

[12] Zhao, C. (2012). Historical research on the Miao Lusheng and its reform and development status. Musical Instruments. https://shorturl.asia/oWcrq. Accessed on February 21, 2024.

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References

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