Yao Nationality: An Ethnic Group With Their Distinguishable Clothes And Ornaments

Yaos are mainly living in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guangdong, Guizhou and Yunnan provinces. Yaos in Yunnan have a population of 190,600, most of whom live in Hekou Yao Autonomous County and Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture. Yaos are divided into different branches according to their clothes and ornaments. Yaos in Wenshan are called “indigo Yaos (Landing Yao)” because they grow indigo plants and like wearing blue clothes. Yaos in Honghe are called “red-headed Yaos (Hongtao Yao)” because they like using red and white cotton threads as head ornaments.

"Dujie" and "Niuda": The Adulthood Initiation of Yao Lad

When a Yao boy is sixteen years old, “Dujie Adulthood Initiation” will be held for him. On this occasion, a platform about three meters high will be built on which he sits. After the Yao priest has read the scripture and prayed to God, the boy will tumble down to the rattan net, symbolizing “revival”. When a Yao girl is fifteen, she will ask one of her girl friends to pull up some of her brows and change her colorful hat to a Yao turban, that is, “Niuda Adulthood Initiation”.

Horsetail Cap: An Exclusive Handicraft of Yao Men

Yao men like wearing the “Horsetail Cap” which symbolizes diligence and wisdom. If an adult man does not wear this cap, Yao girls will look down upon him and others will regard him as an outsider. Thus, Yao men will try their best to learn how to knit this kind of cap. Those who have failed in learning it will turn to others for help.