Imagine a 1,000-year-old tradition blending divine vibes with TikTok-worthy DIYs! Jia ma, the Bai people’s sacred woodblock prints, are having a ✨glow-up✨ in 2026. Once used to summon mountain gods in southwest China’s Yunnan Province, these intricate designs now feature cheeky modern twists—like an ‘Exam-Success Deity’ for stressed students. 🎓
Carving New Narratives
Artisans in Dali are swapping just ceremonial motifs for playful patterns—think mythical creatures doing yoga 🧘♂️ or lunar New Year tigers in streetwear. Travelers flock to workshops to hand-print their own jia ma, turning ancient prayers into Insta-ready art. ‘It’s like time-traveling with a selfie stick,’ says one 24-year-old visitor from Malaysia.
Why It’s Trending
📈 Cultural entrepreneurs are leveraging e-commerce to sell jia ma globally, while sustainability advocates praise its eco-friendly materials. For the Bai community, it’s a proud #TraditionWithAHashtag moment—proving spirituality and viral trends can coexist. 🌍
