Miao Hill Tribe Culture

According to the 2000 Census, there are over seven million Miao people spread throughout China, over half of which live in Guizhou province. It is generally believed that the Miao lived in the valleys of the Huang He (Yellow River) approximately 4,500 years ago. It is unclear when they were forced to migrate to southwestern China. However, Chinese documents reference the existence of the Miao in Guizhou province by the Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279) periods. Many Miao continued their migration beyond China, into Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam where they are known as the Hmong. The GeJia people are classified as a subgroup of the Miao, but have tried unsuccessfully to be reclassified as an independent ethnic group.

The Miao belong to the Miao-Yao branch of the Sino-Tibetan linguistic group. Since the Miao did not have a written language, in the early 20th century Methodist missionaries transcribed the language in the Roman alphabet in order to teach locals hymns and the bible. Many Miao converted to Christianity during this time. Most Miao remain animist and shamanist, believing good and evil spirits inhabit the world. The official language used in school is Chinese. However, there have been recent attempts to teach Miao using the Roman alphabet. The Miao have a strong oral tradition and some ethnologists postulate that the tradition of embroidery was one way to pass on Miao history and beliefs from generation to generation.

The Miao typically live in the mountains, but may also be found in the river valleys. Generally, members of the same family live in the same village. In the past, the Miao practiced slash and burn farming. In addition to farming their staple crops of rice and maize, they also cultivate millet, buckwheat, potatoes, sorghum, sweet potato, soybeans, and other legumes. Families also may plant small gardens next to the house with chilies, tomatoes, gourds, and vegetables. Fish are cultivated in the rice paddies and are an important source of protein for the Miao. Other sources of protein include chicken, pork, and dog. However, these are eaten sparingly, except during festival times.

The Miao are particularly well known for their stilted homes. Homes are typically made of wood with terracotta-shingled roves, ranging from two to four stories. The animals are housed at the lowest level while living quarters are on the upper floors. Each village has a village chief who is chosen by the villagers and is consulted on everyday affairs and during disputes. A family’s lineage is traced through the male line.

The Miao have a liberal view of marriage. Men and women choose their partners and can live together on a trail basis. If a relationship is unsuccessful, there is no shame on either side. Traditionally, the wife does not live with the husband until she gets pregnant. Until then, she is free to have sex with anyone she chooses. However, these traditions are changing due to contact with Han Chinese.

The Chinese Miao are particularly well known for their embroidery and silversmith skills. Each Miao subgroup has different traditional attire and hairstyles. One element that all Miao subgroups have in common is the hand-pleated skirts. During festival times, particularly Miao women put on their best traditional clothing and silver jewelry. Jewelry may consist of neck rings, chains, coins, chest locks and headdresses.