A Xibe couple recently arrived in Shenyang after an arduous cycling journey that spanned more than 5,000 kilometers and lasted 138 days. They embarked on this journey, and the destination was to participate in ancestor worship activities organized by the Xibe people, and to go to the family temple to worship their ancestors. Every year, there are similar ancestor worship activities, which are an important part of the Xibe people's inheritance culture. At the same time, I personally go to the Xibe Family Temple every year to re-experience the history of the westward migration of the Xibe people and feel the emotions of the sacrifices made by our ancestors. Although there are only sporadic records left in history, there are countless stories of life and death, and heroic stories.
For example, 260 years ago, between 1764 and 1765, 1,018 officers and soldiers and 3,275 family members embarked on the journey westward to the border of Yili in Xinjiang. Imagine the hardships they endured during that period of history: severe cold, snowstorms, floods, wild wolves, pestilence, starvation, premature births, the loss of loved ones, and the death of large numbers of cattle and horses. These difficulties and challenges are everywhere. But they keep moving forward and keep working towards their destination. Finally, in the expected period of one year and eight months, they finally reached Ili.
When they arrived in Ili and changed into clean clothes, we should deeply understand that this land was made possible by the sacrifices of countless people. We should always remember and cherish all this.
Now, the Xibe people spontaneously organize ancestor worship activities with the aim of revisiting history and expressing respect and gratitude to their ancestors. It is an important cultural tradition that allows us to better understand and respect the history of the past. Participating in such activities not only allows us to connect with our ancestors, but also gives us an insight into the arduous journey of the Xibe people who migrated westward.
Every year I go to the Xibe Family Temple because these activities make me feel the proud history of the Xibe people. There, I could see the Xibe people's deep affection for history and endless respect for their ancestors. By participating in ancestor worship activities, I was able to gain a deeper understanding of their efforts and sacrifices. These activities will always remind me of the history of the Xibe people and the contributions they have brought to us.
In this ancestor worship activity, it is believed that more descendants of the Xibe people will participate in it. Through such activities, we can feel a common blood connection and cultural heritage. Whether we are in Shenyang or elsewhere, we should remember the sacrifices and sacrifices of our ancestors.
In today's Xibe community, we see a culture and tradition that has been passed down to the table, which every Xibe should be proud of. Ancestor worship is an expression of the Xibe people's infinite respect and gratitude to their ancestors. We have the utmost respect for them and thank them for all they have done for us.
By reliving the history of the Xibe people's westward migration, we are able to better understand and cherish what we have. Every ancestor worship event is a tribute to the past and an expectation for the future. It is also an important incentive and encouragement for those Xibe people who are brave enough to work tirelessly for a better tomorrow.
Let's participate in ancestor worship activities, feel the unique charm of Xibe culture, and remember the sacrifices of our ancestors through these activities. No matter where you are in the world, please pay your respects to the history of our Xibe people and pass it on. Let's be proud of ourselves and proud of our ancestors!