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The Miao minority group in southwestern China fascinates the world with its beautiful silver necklaces, embroidery, and batik art. With a history of over 5,000 years, Miao people boast their splendid culture and numbers of interesting folktales. Among these folk stories, a Smart Daughter-in-Law is one of the most popular one.

An old man had three sons, and two of them had got married. They lived together, and the old man took the responsibility of managing the whole family. Year by year, the old man felt himself too old to be responsible for everything. So he wanted one of his daughters-in-law to manage the family. But to find out who was the smarter of the two, he would have to put them to some tests.

With the Miao new year’s coming, the old man told his two daughters-in-law: ” We will have to find something for our ancestor worship ceremony: two turtles without feet, two fishes without
scale, two pigs’ feet with black bones, and two white radishes with red inside. You go to look for them now. Whoever finds them first will take my place as the head of the family.

As they went out to seek for those things, they talked to each other: ” Where to get these things that don’t exist?” Frustrated, they sat on a stone, starting to cry. A girl who lived nearby heard their cry and asked them what happened. After learning their story, the girl said, ” You have all these things at home, Why did you go out to seek for them?” ” Are you making fun of us?” the two women said, “We don’t have those things at home.” The girl then explained, “The turtles without feet are actually glutinous rice paste. New cloth shoes prepared for the new year are in fact the fishes without scale. White radishes with red inside are eggs. And a piece of burning charcoal is a pig’s foot with a black bone.”

Enlightened by what the girl told them, the two women went home. Then they got all the items at home and showed them to the old man. Surprised, the old man said, “I am glad that you have found all these things. But did you find them by yourself, or did someone else tell you what they are? If you did it yourself, I will continue to give you some more tests. If someone else helped you, you should tell me who this person was.”

The two daughters-in-law didn’t want any more test, so they told him the truth. The old man was obviously very happy to know that a girl could be this smart, so he asked, “How old is this girl? You can go to ask her if she would like to marry my youngest son.” In the girl’s home, the two daughters-in-law told what the old man said to the girl, who then answered, ” I can marry his youngest son, but he must agree to let me manage the family.”

The old man agreed. Soon the girl brought her beautiful pure silver necklaces, and got married to the youngest son. She was in charge of all things in the family. The family prospered under her management.

A local tyrant was jealous of the wealth of the family. He told the old man, ” I learnt your youngest daughter-in-law is very smart, who can conjure all these wealth out of nothing. Now, I want you to give me a pig’s head which is just as big as a mountain. You must show me that in three days, otherwise I will confiscate all the things you have!”

The old man was very scared and asked his youngest daughter-in-law for help. The girl said, “Don’t be afraid of him. You go to ask him how much the mountain weights, so we will give him a pig’s head which weights exactly the same as the mountain.”

The next day the old man went to the tyrant and asked him, “ I have many pig’s heads at home. Please tell me how much your mountain weighs, so I can give you one with the same weight.”

The tyrant was dumbfounded by the question. After a while he said, ” OK, I give up the pig’s head. But now I want some wine which is exactly the same amount as that of the water in the river.” So the old man went home and repeated the question to his youngest daughter-in-law, who then said, “Ask him how many bowls of water there is in the river, so we can give him the same amount of wine.”

And the old man went to see the tyrant and told him what his daughter-in-law said. The tyrant was dumb again. Then he said, ” I give up the wine. But now I want you to show me a rooster that can lay eggs.” After hearing the question from the old man, the girl said, “ You stay at home tomorrow. I will go and meet that bastard.”

The next day the girl went to the tyrant and said, “ Hey! My father-in-law didn’t go to look for the rooster. Can you wait a few days?” The tyrant asked, “ Why didn’t he start looking for it yet?” The girl answered, “ Last night he gave birth to a child. Now he needs to stay at home and get some rest.” The tyrant yelled, ” Full of bullshit! How can a man have a baby?” The girl said, “ You know that a man can’t have a baby, but why you don’t know that a rooster can’t lay eggs?”

Embarrassed at the question, the tyrant stopped asking for things from the old man since then.

Want to read more interesting Miao stories and see beautiful silver necklaces, click here to enjoy!

melkay Current Events Asia, Chinese Culture, daughter-in-law, Miao, Miao culture, silver bracelets, silver earrings, silver jewels, silver necklaces, silver rings

Who are the Miao?

The Miao people are an ethnic group inhabiting mainly in China and 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. Reasons for this movement varied a lot, but wars were the main 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. Legend has it that he had a pair of horns projecting from his copper head, and his forehead was as strong as iron. The first law in China is the criminal law Chi You created in his tribe.

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.

However in a severe war against another big tribe, Chi you and his people were crushed. After he was killed, his body and head were buried in two places far apart. Like Miao stories say, the first maple tree was 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.Afterward, he was respected as the god of war by the Chinese emperors.

Today the Miao commemorate Chi You by wearing a silver headdress decorated with silver horns. And a maple tree is thought to be a special totem in the Miao areas.

After Chi You died, some Miao groups were seized and merged into the Chinese Han nationality. However the majority of Miao had to abandon their home and migrated 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 minority group, the Miao were always persecuted and suppressed by the Han emperors and local officials. Due to wars and persecution, the Miao had to persistently move throughout China.

The Miao people started to reside in the mountainous areas of southern and southwestern China as early as 2,000 years ago. 

Then just over 700 years ago, some Miao people moved to the countries of southeast Asia, like Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar. With the end of the Vietnam War in the 1970's, some homeless Miao people escaped to America and Europe. Today about 280,000 Miao people live in western countries.

Today

Despite widespread migration, the Miao have kept their unique culture and tradition alive to this day.

They don't have historical texts, so they have invented a special way to remember the past----embroidery. Once you check their embroidery carefully, you will know that each embroidered piece has a meaning relating to their culture, history, and religion.

C. Liu has been studying interesting Miao culture for a few years. 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.

melkay Current Events Chinese Culture, chinese history, Miao culture, Miao migration history, Miao silver jewelry, Miao silver ornaments, pendants, silver charm bracelet, silver earrings, silver rings

Who are the Miao?

Inhabiting the mountainous south and southwestern China, the Miao like to enjoy themselves during their happy holidays. They visit relatives and neighbors to sing, dance, and have big meals together. For young people, holidays are a good occasion to look for their significant other. Girls are especially beautiful on such occasions, with their huge sets of silver jewelry and embroidered garments.

The Miao New Year

Because they follow the lunar calendar, the Miao New Year can come in September, October, or November. Before the New Year, people give their house a general cleaning, and prepare some special food like rice wine, bean curd, and sticky rice paste. Women are happy with sewing new clothing for their family, especially for their children.

On New Year’s Eve, everybody stays up until midnight, then they light firecrackers to welcome dragons into their home. They will have a ceremony held after daybreak to worship their forebears. A cow is regarded as an auspicious animal, so its nose will be put some wine to show that people respect it. After breakfast, people go to their neighbors' home to say: "Happy New Year!".

On the first two days of the New Year, people are not allowed to cut wood on the mountains, or do cleaning work at home. Women won't cook, but men do.

Girls dress up with beautiful silver ornaments and embroidered garments to go to meet the boys. Some young fellows even go to other villages by walking to take part in various social activities.

The Miao make good use of the nine days of their new year. It's the golden time for young people to get married.

Huashan Festival

There are various Huashan, or “Flower Mountain,” festivals held in different Miao areas. Some are in August, and others are in January or May of the lunar calendar.

On that day, a pole is garnished with colorful flags and put at the heart of a playing field. At the top of the pole is a little red bag with bonus inside. A man declares the beginning of the festival, and a pole climbing game starts. The man who first reach the tip of the pole and catch the small bag, while playing his Lusheng instrument, will gain the reward. Climbing a pole while playing an instrument is quite difficult! Made from peeled pine timber, the pole is slender, smooth, and long. The champion will become the admiration of other people, especially the girls.

People can also enjoy other interesting games like archery and horse races, which are held at the same time. Women like to show others their outstanding sewing skills and the men compete with their pals to see who has the terrific physical strength.

Youngsters will at this time go out seeking for lovers. If they find someone they are interested in, they will give each other some presents, like a silver hairpin or waistband. Older people go to see friends, and may talk about many things like fishing and farming. The festival is over in the late evening.

Sister Festival: Miao Valentine’s Day

The Miao Sister Festival is also called Miao Valentine’s Day, as it’s a holiday for single women to invite young men from other villages to meet. The festival comes in mid-March of the lunar calendar.

On March 13th, Miao girls go to climb the mountains and look for some eatable flowers and leaves to dye their food. They then prepare sweet and colorful glutinous rice. The rice has five different colors. Blue typifies wealth, yellow stands for a good harvest, white indicates their true and pure love, green means their pretty hometown, and red hopes their village will go for prosperity.

The second day they go to fish mountain streams. In the afternoon they will buy a duck and duck eggs to prepare a big meal. The duck is needed because a swimming duck symbolizes the girls’ ability to meet men from the other side of the river.

In the evening, when the men finally come, they will dine together, then go outside to talk and sing songs to express their feelings. The girls will be sure to wear their most beautiful silver jewelry like silver bracelets, as this is a symbol of beauty and status in Miao culture.

Four days later, this Miao holiday is over. Various games and activities are held during this time, like horse races, bullfights, song competitions, and so on.

A basket of fish, meat and glutinous rice will be sent to the men by the girls before the men go back to their home. Some special things are put in the basket to show how they like the men. Cotton means they will always have their partner in their mind. A bunch of pine leaves implies they like to have some needles and thread. Pepper or garlic means the relationship won't work out.

The next year, when the men come again, they will bring some silk in these baskets for the girls.

Dragon Boat Festival

The Dragon Boat Festival falls on May 5 of the lunar calendar, and thousands of people gather together to watch the exciting boat races. The rival teams paddle their boats in the shape of dragons on a lake or river, with drums beaten and loud firecrackers set off from the banks.

April 8 Festival

The April 8th festival is held to remember the Miao’s hero Yanu, who died on this day while fighting against an invading tribe. The Miao will get together to hold traditional activities like playing Lusheng music, singing, and performing the lion dance.

melkay Current Events Asia, Chinese holidays, Christmas, holidays, Miao culture, New Year, pendants, silver bracelets, silver earrings, silver jewelry, silver necklaces, silver ornaments, silver rings, Valentine's Day

Who are the Miao?

Although living in the mountainous areas of south and southwestern China, the Miao ethnic group know how to enjoy life during their colorful and multiple holidays. They sing, dance, and prepare big meals to feast on with friends and neighbors. Holidays are also the best time for young people to look for their partners. Girls are especially beautiful on such occasions, with their huge sets of silver jewelry and embroidered garments.

The Miao New Year

Because they follow the lunar calendar, the Miao New Year can come in September, October, or November. Before the New Year, people have a general house-cleaning, and prepare special food like glutinous rice paste, rice wine, sausage, and bean curd. Women will make new clothes for their family members.

On New Year’s Eve, everybody stays up until midnight, then they light firecrackers to welcome dragons into their home. After daybreak, they will hold a ceremony to worship their ancestors. The nose of a cow is put on some wine to prove that people have respect for this hardworking animal. After breakfast, people visit neighbors to send New Year’s wishes and greetings.

On the first two days of the New Year, the Miao don’t do any cleaning work at home, and they are forbidden to chop wood on the mountains. Women won’t cook, but men do.

Girls dress up with beautiful silver ornaments like silver earrings and embroidered garments to go to meet the boys. Some young fellows even go to other villages by walking to take part in various social activities.

The Miao New Year lasts nine days. Many people have their weddings held during this time.

Huashan Festival

There are various Huashan, or “Flower Mountain,” festivals held in different Miao areas. Some are in January, while others are in May or August on the lunar calendar.

On that day, a pole decorated with colorful flags is set up in the center of a playground. At the top of the pole there is a small red bag with money inside. The pole climbing starts when a man announces the beginning of the festival. The man who first get to the top of the pole to take the small bag, and at the same time playing his Lusheng instrument, will win the reward. Climbing a pole while playing an instrument is quite difficult! The pole is smooth, tall, and slender because it's made of peeled pine wood. The champion will become the admiration of other people, especially the girls.

The exciting bullfights and horse races are also held during this festival. Women like to show each other their great sewing skills and the men are busy displaying their physical strength.

This is also good occasion for single young people to seek for lovers. If they find someone they are interested in, they will give each other some presents, like a silver hairpin or waistband. Older people go to visit friends and exchange their ideas about farming. The festival lasts until late in the evening.

Sister Festival: Miao Valentine’s Day

The Miao Sister Festival is also called Miao Valentine’s Day, as it’s a holiday for single women to invite young men from other villages to meet. The festival happens in mid-March on the lunar calendar.

On March 13th, girls go to select some particular leaves and flowers growing in the mountains to dye their food. Then they are busy with preparing colorful and sweet glutinous rice. The rice is characterized by its five distinctive colors. Green represents their lovely hometown, yellow implies a golden harvest, blue indicates rich, white stands for their true love, and red wishes their village will have a bright future.

The second day they go fishing to find some shrimp and fish. After get some duck and duck eggs, they will cook a big meal in the afternoon. The duck is needed because a swimming duck symbolizes the girls’ ability to meet men from the other side of the river.

In the evening, when the men finally come, they will dine together, then go outside to talk and sing songs to express their feelings. The girls will be sure to wear their most beautiful silver jewelry, as this is a symbol of beauty and status in Miao culture.

The holiday is over on March 17th. During this time, various activities and games like song competition and bullfights are held.

Before the men leave, the girls will give them bamboo baskets with glutinous rice, fish, meat, and duck eggs as presents. Some specific things are placed in the basket to show their feelings of the men. Cotton means they will miss their partner. A pack of pine leaves suggests that they want men to send them some needles and thread as present.

There are more interesting things about Miao Valentine's Day and other Miao holidays. Go to this website to learn more about Miao culture and see beautiful pictures of fine Miao silver ornaments.

melkay Current Events Asia, Chinese holidays, Christmas, holidays, Miao culture, New Year, silver jewelry, silver ornaments, Valentine's Day