Miao people of Guizhou

The Miao New Year festival, one of the most important festivals of Miao people, is an important event in Miao custom and is usually celebrated in the tenth lunar month, symbolizing the beginning of a new year. Although the exact date varies each year and is only disclosed one or two months in advance, tourists can enjoy watching enchanting Miao customs come alive through various kinds of ethnic activities during the celebration of the Miao New Year in Leishan.
The festival is full of traditional music played on the Lusheng, a kind of bamboo musical instrument, bullfights, horseracing, and lots of singing and dancing. Miao girls and women in
traditional dress will parade during the festival, showcasing their fashion sense. The daily clothing worn by Miao people will differ from place to place, and many of the Miao subgroups
are designated by the color of their clothes, such as the Hmub Miao of southeast Guizhou, who are often referred to as the Black Miao because of their characteristically indigo-colored clothing and black hats.
On top of their beautifully embroidered clothes, Miao women are also famed for the glittering silver adornments that they wear during festival time. The Miao people regard silver as a symbol of wealth and so have a particular fondness for it. They also believe silver symbolizes light and good health, so wearing silver will ward off evil spirits, stave off natural disasters and bring good fortune. When it comes to the ornamental silver worn by the Miao women, the heavier the better, so some festival outfits can weigh upwards of 20 to 30 jin (about 10 to 15 kg).
A typical festival outfit worn by a Miao woman will include a hat or crown, horns, a comb, earrings or ear pendant, a neckband, a necklace, a collar, bracelets, and rings, all made of
silver. Most of these will have been handmade by Miao silversmiths.

Join us to experience this celebration of culture and tradition at the Miao New Year Festival in Leishan.