Exploring oral traditions and divine spatial narratives: The Ni’EDi ritual among the Lisu ethnic group in Lijiang, China

This paper presents the development of a theoretical framework for constructing sacred narratives within the Ni'EDi ritual space of the Lisu people. The primary objective is to advance cultural innovation and ensure the sustainable transmission of Lisu traditions from a theoretical perspective. The research explores the dynamic interactions between individuals and rituals, particularly emphasizing the integration of material and spiritual dimensions—including historical narratives, mythological elements, natural landscapes, and sacred architecture. Through a rigorous analysis of oral traditions, the cultural space of the Ni'EDi ritual is reinterpreted and reconstructed. The study finds that the oral tradition of the Ni'EDi ritual operates as both an individual and collective narrative process, wherein memory, guidance, retelling, and recollection interweave ancient stories with contemporary experiential interpretations. The results demonstrate that narrative and spatial analyses deepen individual spiritual engagement and reveal the broader sociocultural implications of ritual spaces. Together, these elements form the core structure of belief in the Lisu creator deity, which plays a pivotal role in shaping the collective identity and faith of the Lisu people. This research underscores the importance of narrative theory in constructing cultural spaces and interpreting ritual contexts.