Xucheng Yugu, a traditional dance item in the second batch of representative items of municipal intangible cultural heritage in Huai'an. Historical Origin "Xucheng Yugu", also known as Duangu, appeared in the heyday of the Tang Dynasty according to the oral accounts of Song Deshu and Jia Guoping, two old artists from the Fishermen's Village in Xucheng Town, Xuyi County. It is said that Emperor Taizong of Tang made four wishes when he was dreaming in the underworld: one was Liu Jinjing melon, the second was Tang Monk's quest for scriptures, the third was Mu Liangzhen's rescue of his mother, and the fourth was to hold a water and land assembly to save the dead. When the water and land assembly was held, there was a performance of Yugu. Of course, this is just a folk art creation. In fact, Yugu was developed on the basis of "Duangu Tune" (also known as "Duangu Dance"). "Duangu Dance" originated from the "God Dance" custom of the Manchu people, and later spread to the southern part of Shandong Province to form a profession. People engaged in this profession were called "Shenhan". In the late Qing Dynasty, some Shenhan from Shandong came to the fishermen in Hongze Lake to engage in superstitious activities and were called "Water Boys" by the fishermen. They beat fish skin or sheep skin drums with their hands, danced and sang tunes such as "Rang Shen Mantra" and "Nian Fo Ji" to exorcise evil spirits and fulfill vows for fishermen, and worship the river god to pray for safe sailing and good harvest. Later, folk artists in the Hongze Lake area adapted the dance movements of "Duan Gu" to simulate the production labor of fishermen, celebrate the harvest, and pray for good luck. The actors also developed from 23 people performing on the bow to many people, and the performance venue also developed from boats to land or stage performances. Content and characteristics The props of Xucheng fishing drum dance are like sunflower fans. They are made of sheep skin or fish skin stretched on an iron ring with a diameter of 40 cm. The drum handle is about 17 cm. An iron ring is put on the end of the drum handle, and three small iron rings are put in the ring. Then three smaller iron rings are put in each of the three small iron rings. The drumstick is made of bamboo, and a tassel is tied to the end of the stick. During the performance, people will hang the cut-out totems and paper-cut works with various patterns such as fish, shrimp, rice, and wheat ears on the high place of the bow cabin, or place them on the river bank. Fishermen elect a respected elder, wearing a headdress with patterns such as "Tang Monk Seeking Scriptures" and "The King Transporting Grain" and stand at the highest point to sing. Others shake the drum with their left hands, making a clanging sound; beat the drum with their right hands, making a clanging sound, and beat and dance continuously, and occasionally make various movements such as falling, hitting, rolling, and crawling. Generally, one story after another is sung, and the artists do not wear makeup or costumes. The time varies from three to five days, with a grand scene and a warm atmosphere. Representative works include "Sacrificial Dance", "Nezha Conquers the Sea", "Zhang Lang Xiu Dingxiang", etc. Xucheng Yugu is an outstanding representative of Hongze Lake culture, an artistic wonder nurtured by fishing culture and water culture, and has a high reference value for the research and inheritance of Hongze Lake culture. (No pictures available, please provide them.) (No pictures available, please provide them.)