Identity

Officially included under the Miao nationality, the Northern Mashan Miao language is part of the socalled Chuanqiandian language group. This term was derived from the historical names of the three provinces of Sichuan (Chuan), Guizhou (Qian), and Yunnan (Dian). Although different sources have listed a variety of figures for the number of Miao groups in China - including "seventy," and "forty in Guizhou," all agree that the Miao are a collection of groups rather than one cohesive ethnolinguistic identity.

History

According to Miao tradition there were originally six suns, but their intense heat dried up everything on the earth. Then the people decided to shoot down all the suns, except one. But they discovered this was impossible to do and, instead, shot at the suns' reflections in the lake. The remaining sun became frightened and refused to come out, plunging the world into continual darkness. The Miao used various methods to coax the sun out, but nothing worked. Then a rooster crowed, and suddenly the sun appeared. The Miao conclude that this is why the sun rises every morning when the rooster crows.

Customs

One of the numerous Miao festivals is Sister's Day. It is held every spring to enable young women to meet with young men from other villages. A series of games and dances is arranged, and glutinous rice dishes are prepared. Playing the lusheng (a bamboo instrument) is popular during these festivals. Young men who play skillfully are favored by the girls.

Religion

The Northern Mashan Miao offer sacrifices to a demon they believe dwells in the highest mountain. They also sacrifice to various other deities, believing their efforts can summon protective dragons to act on their behalf.

Christianity

The Northern Mashan Miao are an unreached people group who have never appeared on a list of unreached peoples. Most foreign agencies prefer to view all the Miao as one people, despite their multiplicity of languages and customs. There are no known churches or house fellowships among the Northern Mashan Miao. Their social and community structures are very exclusive, creating an additional barrier to the introduction of the gospel among them.