On Culture And Musical Characteristics Of Lahu Folk Song

Lahu, ancient mountain people living in Yunnan Province, southwest China, has a long history, which can be traced back to ancient Qiang ethnic groups. In thousands of years of history, the Lahu ethnic group has created material wealth and also developed a unique culture of national spirit. Many of the epic, myth, poetry, proverbs embody the nation’s rich cultural heritage and spiritual world; a wide range of folk songs with profound meaning are regards as the gems of Lahu ethnic group. Its musical form and the modal characteristics present a unique form. Lahu’s brilliant musical culture keeps many original elements, showing a high research value. The culture is the spirit of this ancient nation, and can not be replaced and replicated. Its origin, formation, development, and presence affect social history and culture in different times. It is the treasure for the entire nation and the whole country, and it makes great contribution to world’s culture as well. Therefore, the intangible heritage of humanity is in urgent need of protection and further study. However, a lot of good Lahu folk songs may be failed to hand down and might disappear due to the ecological environment and production of lifestyle changes. The root of our nation is in danger!The paper is divided into four parts and analyzes and describes Lahu folk songs from five aspects. The first part describes type of Lahu fork songs and combs the classification of Lahu fork songs. The second part surveys natural environment and historical cultural environment which Lahu fork songs depend on and analyzes their cultural connotation. The third part analyzes the cultural characteristics, extracts of their musical form and modes. The fourth part makes a brief analysis of the inheriting status quo and puts forward corresponding countermeasure for songs’ inheriting and development.