Research On The Protection And Inheritance Of Chenzhou Nuo

“Chenzhou Nuo” is the most widely spread Nuo culture in Huaihua City and western Hunan Province,and it is also a treasure in China's Nuo culture.According to the historical records,it originated from the Spring and Autumn Period,and was prevailing for more than 300 years.Regarding to its content,Chenzhou Nuo can be divided into three parts: Nuo sacrifice,Nuo drama and Nuo skills.Based on different forms,there are three tapes of drama,which are formal drama,informal drama and large-scale drama.The tunes are elegant and simplicity with strong local characteristics.The main contents of the plays have integrated the folk stories from the Central Plains,forming the traditional Nuo drama such as Meng Jiangnu and The Seven Fairies.Shanggang faction and Hebian faction are the two major factions in Chenzhou Nuo drama,which formed in Ming and Qing dynasties.From the perspective of existing Nuo drama culture,Shanggang faction has less preserved dramas,only 24 dramas,while Hebian faction has 36 dramas.Although the two both belong to the faction in Qijiaping town,there are differences not only in their origins,but also in their performance costumes,performance methods,instruments and singing characteristics.Chenzhou Nuo reflects the local politics,history,nationality,religion,archaeology,literature,art and so on tortuously.It is a rare comprehensive folk custom and a carrier for the development of tourism culture.In June 2006,Chenzhou Nuo drama was included in the national intangible cultural heritage.The most representative folk activity in Chenzhou Nuo is Dayou Nuo in Qijiaping town,Yuanling city.Dayou Nuo's inheritance method is relatively old,which are from their ancestors or their teachers.Dayou Nuo is generally held after the autumn harvest,lasting three days and three nights,sometimes seven days and seven nights in several villages.Its procedures should go through seven divisions,which are inviting the player,shipbuilding,the hall for drama,showing off the flag,parading with the flag,playing drama,sending back the ship etc.Its lyrics contain positive energy,for example,praying for good health and longevity,family harmony,and good harvest.In the process of Chenzhou Nuo's inheritance,there are many problems we have to face,especially the aging problem of the inherits and the shortage of participants.The priority was to train the inheritors and establish the protection base.It is an arduous task for the local government to develop the local tourism and revitalize the economy of the countryside by protecting and making good use of Chenzhou Nuo.