Story perspectives

Ancient Chicken Bone Divination Revived by Ethnic Minorities

3/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Dajibu is a traditional divination ritual practiced by ethnic minority groups in China that involves beating a rooster and interpreting its femur bones to predict fortunes.
The practice originated during the Tang and Song dynasties in southwestern China as part of ancient spiritual healing beliefs.
Today, groups such as the Yi, Mosuo, Zhuang, and Yao continue chicken bone divination, reflecting cultural heritage and reliance on traditional fortune-telling methods.

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Story summary

Dajibu is a traditional divination ritual practiced by ethnic minority groups in China that involves beating a rooster and interpreting its femur bones to predict fortunes.
The practice originated during the Tang and Song dynasties in southwestern China as part of ancient spiritual healing beliefs.
Today, groups such as the Yi, Mosuo, Zhuang, and Yao continue chicken bone divination, reflecting cultural heritage and reliance on traditional fortune-telling methods.