Kangbalayi, a folk literature from Zhiduo County, Qinghai Province, is one of the national intangible cultural heritages. An ancient oral traditional literature of the Tibetan people that has been passed down in Kangba and its surrounding areas.
Kangbalai is a poetic communication language that emerged in the communication between Tibetan men and women, originating from the late 6th century during the Southern Songtsen period of the Tubo Dynasty. Currently, more than 2400 pieces of oral literature have been collected and organized in Zhiduo County, Qinghai Province. It has been passed down orally to this day.
Kangbalai originates from the ancient oral traditional literature of the Tibetan people, and is a traditional Tibetan rhyme style rap form consisting of 12 parts. It is widely spread in Kangba and its surrounding areas and is an important form for Tibetan young men and women to express their emotions. The entire love process of Tibetan youth, from acquaintance, love to eventual marriage or breakup, can be expressed through it.
Rai “originated from mountain songs and its roots can be traced back to the late primitive society, directly related to the early embryonic language of the Tibetan people, with the formation of the six major Tibetan clans. Rai “gradually developed in the form of tribal, tribal, and regional culture, gradually becoming a folk music form for Tibetan young men and women to express their emotions and pursue love. In the long-term development, its content has been constantly updated and enriched, forming a unique traditional folk song of the nomadic culture of the plateau ethnic group.
The melody of “Rai” has various styles due to different regions, some of which are deep and melodious, forming a relatively free and gentle long tune mountain song style; Some songs have sweet melodies and regular rhythms, forming an elegant and dignified lyrical style.
The content of Kangbalai’s rap has been organized and divided into 12 volumes, including sacrificial songs, hymns, introductory songs, opening songs, competitive songs, riddle songs, gathering songs, love songs, parting songs, derogatory songs, curse songs, and auspicious blessing songs. Each volume consists of 10000 poems.
Kangbalayi is the crystallization of the collective wisdom of the Tibetan people, and its content is constantly updated and enriched with the development of the times. It is passed down orally and has the characteristics of nomadic culture, possessing profound cultural value.
Kangbalai, with its diverse content, compact structure, and beautiful language, is a culmination of Tibetan folk poetry and has certain academic value for studying Tibetan history, religious beliefs, customs, social systems, and more.
On June 7, 2008, Kangbalai was approved by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China to be included in the second batch of national intangible cultural heritage list, with project number I-69.
