浪漫“三月三”，看看湖南苗族“情人节”

In the enchanting embrace of spring, Fenghuang county's Miao ethnic group in Hunan province celebrated its annual Malan Festival on the third day of the third month on the Chinese calendar, which fell on March 30.

阳春时节，湖南省凤凰县的苗族民众在农历三月初三，即3月30日当天迎来一年一度的 “马兰节”。

This vibrant cultural event, steeped in centuries-old traditions, drew visitors and photographers to witness the romantic customs and lively spirit of Miao culture.

现场充满活力的文化活动，承载百年历史的古老传统，吸引了众多游客和摄影爱好者前来，共同见证苗族文化中的浪漫风俗与蓬勃生机。

The festival is rooted in the Miao people's history as a day for young lovers to express affection and seek lifelong partnerships. Guests were warmly greeted with the iconic "gate-blocking wine drinking ceremony", where Miao women in dazzling traditional attire offered sweet rice wine and folk songs, embodying the ethnic group's legendary hospitality.

在苗族历史中，“马兰节”是男女青年表达爱意、寻觅终生伴侣的日子。现场游客体验了独特的迎客习俗“拦门酒”，身着绚丽传统服饰的苗族阿妹们献上香甜的米酒，唱起民歌，充分展现苗族闻名遐迩的好客之道。

Rhythmic drumbeats heralded a series of performances. Each act celebrated the community's resilience and zest for life, from the dynamic Miao flower-drum dance to folk songs echoing through terraced fields.

富有节奏的鼓声拉开了一系列活动表演的序幕。从活力四射的苗族花鼓舞蹈，到在梯田间回荡的民歌，每一个节目都在展现苗族的坚韧精神和对生活的热情。

A showstopping marriage customs parade captivated audiences, with brides resplendent in scarlet embroidered gowns adorned with intricate silver ornaments that rang like wind chimes. At the same time, grooms exuded quiet dignity in indigo tunics and hand-woven headscarves. The procession offered a living tableau of Miao matrimonial traditions with symbolic dowries like embroidered quilts and silver accessories.

其中，一场惊艳炫目的婚俗巡游吸引了不少观众的目光。身着华丽大红色绣花嫁衣的“新娘”模特，佩戴着精美繁复、“叮铃”作响的银饰，光彩照人。而“新郎”们穿着靛蓝色上衣，头戴手工编织的头巾，尽显沉稳庄重。队伍中展示着诸如绣花棉被和银饰等象征意义的嫁妆，构成了一幅鲜活的苗族婚嫁传统画卷。

As dusk fell, the celebration culminated in a grand "Long Table Feast". Nearly a thousand participants shared heirloom recipes, including sour fish, cured pork and ceremonial glutinous rice cakes.

夜幕降临，整场活动在一场盛大的“长龙宴”中达到了高潮。近千名参与者一同品尝世代相传的美食，其中包括酸鱼、熏腊肉和仪式用的糯米糕。