Mu Pa Mi Pa Poetry Legend

Simao City, Yunnan Province

Mu Pa Mi Pa is a voluminous poetry legend of the Lahu ethnic people who live in the Langcang Lahu Autonomous Region of Simao City in Yunnan province. The poem has 17 sections and 2,300 lines in total. It discusses the creation of the world, and the living conditions of human beings in ancient times, and is the classic work of oral literature of the La Gu people.

Mu Pa Mi La is usually sung by the "Ga Mu Ke" (man who can sing the poem) and the 'Mo Ba' (the emcee of the ritual), but can also be sung by several people in accompaniment or in troll form. Its lyrics are simple and concise, and its rules and forms are regular. The tone is beautiful and varies with different regions. Mu Pa Mi Pa is sung during traditional festivals, religious rituals, and the slack season. Both the singer and listener become fully involved in it.

Mu Pa Mi Pa is requisite for studying the history and culture of the Lahu people. It is the bearer of the Lahu culture. However, due to the rise of modern culture, this cultural treasure is facing extinction. At present, only one or two people can sing the Mu Pa Mi Pa in its entirety.