The Gourd as a Spiritual and Cultural Symbol Among the Yi People in Southwest China

In the Yi ethnic group in southwest China, the gourd is a prominent symbol, collectively imbued with imaginative and spiritual significance. It maintains a profound connection to the Yi people’s way of life, manifested in both ancient mythological narratives and contemporary social practices. Given the pivotal role of the gourd in the Great Flood, reconstituting the world and birthing humanity, this study delves into its intricate associations with fertile imagery and thinking, provides an interpretation of the gourd’s mythological archetype, elucidates religious practices, and explores the cultural interpretations conveyed through gourd imagery. The cultural traditions of the gourd within Yi culture operate through both mythological narratives and lived practices, forming an integrated cognitive framework through which people perceived and interpreted the world. Presently, research specifically focusing on the gourd symbol in Yi mythology and rituals is limited. This article, offering a perspective grounded in classical textual interpretation, aims to understand the culture of the Yi people. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the gourd’s symbolic significance and enriches broader discussions on cultural diversity in contemporary society.