Fengyang Flower-drum

Fengyang, a common county in Anhui Province, has several uncommon things. One of them can show Fengyangnese's best skills——Fengyang Flower-drum. It is a unique traditional art and exerts significant influence over the whole country.

Joy and sorrow mingle at its origin. It ia also called Double-sticked Drum. Its earliest performance was by two sisters-in-law: one beat the drum; the other beat the gong and sang. All the songs were about people's sad life. In the past, Fengyang was often stricken by droughts and floods. Many people were forced to leave their homes and went begging by performing Flower-drum. Hence, Fengyang Flower-drum has become a symbol of poverty.

Since the open and reform of China, the form and contents of the art have greatly changed. Its existence is mainly for people's self-enjoyment. The singing is more popular both in the urban and countryside. Fengyangnese will always perform it enthusiastically to celebrate their happy events or to welcome their guests. Modern skills have been absorbed into the art. With its local flavor and more varieties, Fengyang Flower-drum is becoming more and more popular. In the recent years, the troupes have performed both at home and abroad and won many prizes.

Publishes at : 07-10-02 14:44

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