Who are the Miao?
The Miao are an ethnic group, most of which dwell in the mountainous areas of southwestern China, and some in southeast Asia. Over the past several thousand years, they have migrated numerous times throughout China, and these journeys are reflected in their unique handmade embroidery, silver jewelry, and batik artwork. There were many reasons for this movement, but ancient wars were usually the cause.
The first big migration
Over 5,000 years ago, the Miao resided in the Yellow River and Yangtze River areas of central China. Chi You, a brave soldier, was their headman. It's said that he had a pair of horns sticking out from his copper head, and his forehead was as stout as iron. Chi You is believed to create the criminal law in his clan, which was the first Chinese law.
Chi You led the Miao to victory over many tribes. They were so clever that they could make various kinds of weapons, like swords, arrows, and spears.
Unfortunately Chi you and his tribe were destroyed in a bloody war with another mighty clan. After he was killed, his body and head were buried in two places far apart. According to Miao epics, the first maple tree came from his blood.
Chi You was dead, however his soul and story even touched the heart of his opponents, who drew his picture on their flags to inspire their soldiers.Soon the Chinese emperors bestowed high praise on him and gave him the name " God of War".
Today the Miao wear a big silver headdress with silver horns and long to remember Chi You. And a maple tree is regarded as a totem in Miao culture.
After Chi You’s death, some Miao tribes were captured and mixed into the Chinese Han nationality. But most Miao people had to give up their homeland and move to the south of China.
Continued movement
Throughout most of Chinese history, the Han nationality has been the most powerful and has generally dominated the whole country. As an ethnic group, the Miao were consistently tortured by the arbitrary local rulers. Because of the constant wars and persecution, the Miao had to migrate throughout China.
As early as 2,000 years ago, the Miao inhabited the mountain areas of southern and southwestern China, in which the majority Miao people reside today.
Then just over 700 years ago, some Miao people moved to the countries of southeast Asia, like Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar. After the Vietnam War in the 1970’s, some Miao refugees moved to America, Europe, and Australia. Today in western countries there are about 280,000 Miao residents.
Today
Despite widespread migration, the Miao have kept their unique culture and tradition alive to this day.
Because they don't have a written language, they remember their history in a unique way---- put them onto their embroidery work. If you carefully examine their embroidery, you will find that each and every embroidered pattern has a meaning, which is closely related to their history, religion, and culture.
C. Liu has been studying and researching Miao culture for a long time. She sometimes supports the work of some Miao silversmiths. Go to her website to learn more about Miao culture and see fine Miao silver jewelry here.
Tags: Chinese culture, chinese history, Miao culture, Miao migration history, Miao silver jewelry, Miao silver ornaments, pendants, silver charm bracelet, silver earrings, silver rings
