The Miao     
Peoples of        China                   

Numbering well over seven million people and dispersed throughout the provinces of Hunan, Sichuan, Yunnan, Guangxi, with the majority settled in Guizhou, the Miao People form a very important ethnic group in this part of China.

Traditionally the Miao live in mountainous regions and build simple, single-story houses out of wood or thatch with forestry and agriculture their main source of income though in the past they were prime producers of opium.

The Miao ethnicity is actually a branch of the Hmong tribes of Southeast Asia which is comprised of seventy or more sub groups, distinguished by fine variations in dialect, dress, and custom. The Miao language which is closely related to the Yao language has nearly as many dialects as Chinese..

on Miao festivals

on the Dong People
on China's minorities
of Changyang

         Miao culture revolves around its music and therefore its festivals, with the LuSheng (Reed Flute - the official symbol of Miao Culture) forming the corner stone and foundation to all of Miao music and dances. So to attend their LuSheng Festivals is a rare delight, indeed.

       All festivals are expressive and vibrant and are celebrations for mass village gatherings with lots of singing and dancing with the village women adorning loads of silver jewelry. And give the young village people an chance to mingle with and seek potential spouses. The Miao People tend to welcome outsiders to take part, but as with all minority cultures respectful behavior by the visitor will ensure that this hospitality will continue.
    The traditional Miao dress is elaborate with young women donning unwieldy silver headdresses ("long Horns") and neckwear, though after marriage women adopt a whole new wardrobe. The Miao are also known for their intricate embroidery, particularly their elaborate baby carriers, their silver jewelry and handicraft.
       Miao religion is profoundly polytheistic involving a range of gods and demons but with a very strong emphasis on ancestor worship. Traditional Miao society
also gave an unusual amount of sexual freedom to its young women, who were permitted to become intimate with as many men as they liked in their search for a husband so in the past it was not uncommon for a young Miao woman to have a child or two before she married.

NOTE: Miao festivals follow the lunar calendar (as do all minorities in China) and therefore vary from year to year in the Roman calendar.But the more important Miao festivals are; the annual LuSheng Festival, Sisters Festival, Hill-leaping Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, Shui Dragon Boat Festival and the Guzang Festival which is held every 13 years with the last one held 1992.

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