Bimoism

Bimoism is the indigenous religion of the Yi people, the second largest ethnic group in Yunnan (after the Han Chinese). Its name is derived from the bimo, shaman-priests who have mastered the Yi language and scriptures who wear distinctive black robes and large hats. Bimo translates as "master of scriptures." Bimo preside over births, funerals, weddings, and festivals. One can become a bimo if their father was a bimo, or after serving an apprenticeship. A lesser catagory of priest are the elected suni is elected. The suni cannot read Yi scripture, but the more revered bimo can. Only bimo are qualified to perform rituals associated with death. The Yi worshiped and deified their ancestors like other adherants of traditional Chinese folk religion, but also worshiped the gods of nature: fire, hills, trees, rocks, water, earth, sky, wind and forests. They worshiped dragons that could protect them from bad spirits that cause illness, a poor harvest, or other misfortunes. Bimoists believe in multiple souls. At death, one soul remains to watch the grave while the other becomes eventually reincarnated into a living form. When a Yi dies, a pig or sheep is sacrificed at the doorway to maintain a good relationship with the spirit of the deceased person. The Torch Festival is one of the Yi people's major holidays. According to legend, there were once two men of great strength, Sireabi and Atilaba. Sireabi lived in heaven while Atilaba lived on earth. When Sireabi heard of Atilaba's strength, he challenged Atilaba to a wrestling match. After suffering two defeats, Sireabi was killed in the course of a third wrestling bout. This act of hubris greatly angered the bodhisattavas (Buddhists who are capable of achieving nirvana but compassionately delay this transition to aid suffering humanity). The bodhisattavas dispatched a plague of locusts to punish the inhabitants of earth. Atilaba, whose victory over Sereabi had caused the plague, cut down many pine trees and used them as torches to kill the locusts. This saved the crops from destruction. The Torch Festival honors strongman and deliverer Atilaba.