Miao costumes reflect the characteristics of Miao people's long history, scattered residence and diverse customs. There are strict differences in costumes among branches, counties and villages of Miao nationality. The main colors of their clothes are also different. The so-called "White Miao", "Black Miao", "Flower Miao" and "Han Miao" are all called by their own names or nicknames according to their clothing colors or styles, and some are called "Long skirt Miao" and "Short skirt Miao" according to women's skirts. In fact, the same name is strict, and women's clothes in different regions are different. Malipo people are also "white seedlings", wearing blue cloth with round neck and narrow sleeves lined with three black cloths and white clothes inside. The collar and chest are white, the forehead is wrapped with a white towel, and the white towel is wrapped with a black towel, which is black and white; The "white seedlings" around Zhenxiong and Weixin are dressed in blue-green long skirts and pleated skirts. All collars, cuffs and waists are embroidered with five-color silk thread, and black and blue cloth strips about five inches wide and more than ten feet long are wrapped around their heads. The outstanding white lies in white leggings. Most Miao costumes are decorated with patterns, embroidery, embroidery, batik, knitting and lining, which are very beautiful and dazzling. Especially embroidery patterns.

In the past, we can find the history and symbolic significance of the Miao nationality, which can be described as a "meaningful form." For example, Wenshan "Huamiao" has red, yellow, blue and white patterns embroidered on the collar and sleeves of its black round neck and narrow sleeves. The patterns are mostly flower-shaped and river-shaped. It is said that these patterns symbolize the place where Miao ancestors lived: red and green wavy patterns represent rivers, big flowers represent capitals, staggered patterns represent ridges, and mottled patterns represent ears of grain. The big flower seedlings in Luquan, Wuding and Anning love to wear shawls embroidered with three square patterns, which is in line with the saying in the Miao ancient song that "there are three flowers in Ge Chiyou's old training ground". Therefore, it is said that it symbolizes the ancient training ground and flags, and the patterns at both ends of the shawl represent the cities and streets of Beijing in the past ... The origin of these costumes is mostly related to the struggle between the ancient Miao nationality and the Yellow Emperor for the Central Plains. Therefore, not every man and woman who can embroider Miao costume patterns can embroider them at will. There are strict rules about where to decorate what patterns, what patterns represent, and what patterns people of what status and age should decorate.

Most Miao women wear bracelets and earrings, big collars and silver locks on their chests, and some also hang silver beads of different lengths, which are luxurious and rich.

life

It is the communication custom of Miao people to ask their surnames before meeting. When young men and women meet for the first time, according to the rules, they should ask each other's surname first. If the two sides share the same surname, they should be brothers and sisters, treat each other with courtesy, and can't joke, sing and dance. If the surnames are different, you can make jokes and sing and dance. However, if you want to consider courting each other, you can express your love with words and songs. Spinning is also a social custom of Miao nationality. Miao men like to wear swords After giving birth to a boy, parents, relatives and friends should prepare an iron as heavy as the child and bury it in the ground. After that, the boy will dig out the iron and forge it once a year on his birthday. When the child reaches the age of 16, he will beat this iron into a Miao Dao and wear it on his body.

festival

Ganmiaochang

This is a traditional Miao festival. Popular in Xuyong and Gu Lin. It is held twice a year on February 13 and July 3 of the lunar calendar. According to legend, the origin of Miaochang was formed by the Miao people after an uprising failed. The government won't let them be together. People secretly contacted each other in the name of playing Lusheng on the dam, and later it gradually evolved into a fixed festival.

Ribbon Festival

Popular in Dongxia, xuyong county. It is held on the fifth day of the second lunar month every year. At that time, dozens of young men and women in Fiona Fang. If both parties like it, they can give each other belts as engagement gifts. Those who repent afterwards can claim back their belts and dissolve the relationship.

Sheep and horse festival

It is popular in Longchi and Shidi in Xiushan County. It is held every year from April 26th to 28th of the lunar calendar. At that time, people will kill pigs and sheep, treat guests and give gifts, and celebrate festivals grandly.

Dry autumn festival

Spread in Xiushan County. Beginning of autumn Festival is held every year. At that time, people will flock to the venue from all directions to participate in and watch activities such as swinging, lion dancing, playing dragon lanterns and climbing knives and ladders. As for the origin of this festival, it is said that in ancient times, a clever young man, looking for a beloved girl for the people, turned a swing for one person into a swing for eight people to attract people from far and near to swing. On the swing, he finally found his beloved girl. Since then, people get together to play on the swing every autumn. Year after year, it becomes catching up with autumn.

Wash feet on new year's eve

This is also a Miao festival custom. Every year on New Year's Eve, every family goes to the stream to dig some calamus with leaves, pull some black foam leaves and peach leaves, put them in a pot and simmer a pot of water at night. After the water is hot, pour it into the basin to wash your feet.