Miao Nationality: An Ethnic Group With A Rich Ethnic Culture

Miaos in Yunnan have a population of 1,043,500, most of whom live in east and west Yunnan. Without a written language, Miaos mainly rely on the oral inheritance of their history and culture. Besides having a liking for music Miaos are good at embroidery, cross-stitching and wax-printing with nice colorful patterns. Because Miaos firmly believe that silver has a magic evil-expelling power, the Miao women like wearing silver ornaments like silver necklaces, bracelets and hairpins.

Lusheng: A Miao’s Wind Instrument

Miaos love music and especially love Lusheng dance. Lusheng is a reed-pipe instrument made of six different pipes inserted in a wood stand. Nearly every Miao village has its own orchestra and stage. Either during a festival, a wedding or a funeral, Miaos will play Lusheng. During the slack season or on the farmland, the melody of Lusheng is overflowing everywhere. At night, the Miao lads often play Lusheng serenades for their sweethearts.

The Flower Festival: Miao’s Carnival

This festival held between January 2nd and January 7th on the lunar calendar is the most important one of Miao’s. The flower-pole is the symbol of the Flower Festival. The tall and straight pine or cypress tree-trunk is decorated with flowers and colorful flags to make a flower-pole which symbolizes luckiness and happiness. During this festival, Miaos will sing and dance round the flower-pole and enjoy themselves for days. The contest of climbing up the flower-pole will also be held.

"Dating in the Moon-light” and “Walking Three Steps”: The Interesting Miao Marriage Custom

Miao youth have interesting ways to express love. “Dating in the Moon-light” is a popular one practiced after a market fair with the moon shining overhead. “Walking Three Steps” is very popular with Miao youth in Jinping County. When the lad has proposed a marriage, the shy and red-faced girl will hint that they can hold this ceremony, which indicates their engagement.