Jingxi Taiping Drum
Taiping drum is a folk dance for the common people to entertain themselves, inherit collectively, and develop collectively. It has a broad mass base and deep historical roots, and plays an important role in local folk activities. Taiping drum has been circulated in Beijing since the Ming Dynasty. In the early Qing Dynasty, Taiping drum was extremely popular inside and outside the capital. In the late Qing Dynasty, Taiping drum was introduced to Mentougou area. Historically, almost every household in many villages in Mentougou, men, women, old and young, would play Taiping drum. In the Qing Dynasty, Taiping drum was also played on the New Year's Eve of the lunar calendar in the court, which means "peace". Therefore, Beijing also calls Taiping drum "welcoming year drum". Taiping drum is most active in the twelfth month and the first month of each year. It is very attractive in local folk activities. People playing Taiping drum is their expectation for a peaceful and prosperous country and a peaceful people. Playing Taiping drum can not only set off the festive atmosphere, but also reflect the festival customs in Beijing to some extent. Taiping drum has a complete set of folk body language, such as the rhythmic characteristics of "twisting force" and "trembling force" formed by women's foot binding in the past, the unique "force" and "Gen force" of male dancers, and the interest of chasing each other and men chasing women. The traditional Chinese aesthetic concept is reflected in the drum playing, steps, and formation changes, which all have distinct local colors. As the iconic dance prop of this dance variety, Taiping drum, from the production process to the organic combination with dance movements, has transcended the simple function of being a musical instrument and sound carrier, and has become an instrument with a strong regional cultural symbol in this area, and a symbol of cultural identity of the local people. Taiping drum is rooted in the folk, grows in the folk, and flourishes in the folk. The love of the people for Taiping drum and the persistence of the old artists for Taiping drum have enabled Taiping drum to continue, and the development and innovation of folk Taiping drum will make the lives of folk artists full of vitality.