Transmission of the Yao Ethnic Group’s Jiaqiao Ritual Music Through Educational Practices in China

Abstract

This study investigates the educational practices for the transmission of Jiaqiao ritual music among the Yao ethnic group in Shanglin District, Nanning, Guangxi, China. Jiaqiao ritual music is a sacred vocal tradition rooted in ancestral worship and communal ceremonies, reflecting the Yao people’s spiritual beliefs, social cohesion, and cultural identity. With modernization and urban migration threatening its continuity, this research explores how both informal and institutional educational methods contribute to the preservation of this intangible heritage. Using a qualitative ethnographic approach, the study was conducted between December 2022 and December 2024 across selected villages in Shanglin District. Four key informants, experienced female ritual performers and community mentors were selected through purposive sampling. Data collection included participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and document analysis, supported by audio, video, and photographic records. Thematic analysis revealed key findings: informal education during rituals and family gatherings forms the primary transmission mode; female ensembles serve as intergenerational pedagogical hubs; cultural institutions and government initiatives provide supplementary support; and challenges such as aging performers, youth disengagement, and sacred content restrictions hinder sustainability. The study suggests promoting community-based mentorship, expanding culturally sensitive curricula, and enhancing policy support for holistic preservation. These insights contribute to heritage conservation discourse and highlight education’s role in safeguarding minority cultural practices.