The Origin of the Drung Festival: The Legend of Third Sister Liu

A Remarkable Beginning

The legend of Third Sister Liu, central to the Drung people's celebration on the "Third Day of the Third Month," traces back a millennium to a humble village in southwestern China. Her birth was heralded by a mystical omen, as her mother dreamed of a "pretty oriole that sang beautifully" throughout the night. This ethereal beginning foreshadowed her future as a woman of "unparalleled" singing talents, whose voice would eventually become the heartbeat of a cultural tradition.

The Bond of Song and Kinship

As Third Sister Liu blossomed, her beauty and voice drew admiration from all corners. Her life took a meaningful turn when she met Li Xiao Niu, a "poor boy who lived alone." Their relationship began through the humble pursuit of art, as Li Xiao Niu asked her to become his "singing teacher." This connection transcended a mere tutor-student dynamic; he became a constant presence in her home, helping with "housework" while honing his craft under her guidance. Their bond deepened through their shared practice on the "riverbank," where their "sweet, happy voices" created a harmony that resonated far beyond their village.

Conflict with Greed

Conflict arose in the form of Mo Ren Huai, a "stingy old moneybags" known for bullying the impoverished. Upon hearing of Third Sister Liu’s beauty, he attempted to coerce her into becoming his concubine. Her resolute refusal sparked his vindictive nature. In an attempt to humiliate her, Mo Ren Huai sent three "singing masters" to challenge her. However, the contest became a testament to her cleverness. Disguised as her own "younger sister" while washing clothes by the river, Third Sister Liu sang with such mastery that the challengers were left "speechlessly" staring at one another, realizing that if the younger sister possessed such prowess, they stood no chance against the legendary Third Sister herself.

The Tragic Ascent and Immortal Legacy

Driven by jealousy and rage, Mo Ren Huai sought a final, brutal resolution. Encountering Third Sister Liu on a hill, he performed a heinous act of sabotage by cutting the "huge vine" she was using to climb. Though she fell into the river, the legend asserts that she survived, climbing back to the summit. In a final act of defiance and devotion, she and Li Xiao Niu sat on a peak for "three days and nights, singing." On the fourth day, they vanished, ascending into local mythology.

Cultural Significance

The disappearance of the pair did not mark an end, but rather the beginning of an eternal tradition. The following year, on the "third day of the third month," the villagers reported hearing their voices once more. This occurrence transformed the date into a sacred observation for the Drung people. Today, the festival serves as a living memorial where the community gathers to "sing and listen for the fairy-like voice of Third Sister Liu," ensuring that the spirit of their resistance, love, and artistic brilliance remains immortalized in the mountain air.