Silver & Wood

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MIAO FESTIVALS IN GUIZHOU, CHINA

The Miao of southwest China are one of the country's largest ethnic groups. About half of the four million Miao in China live in Guizhou Province. Called Hmong in-other countries, they are sometimes divided into groups according to their dialect, customs, and style of dress.

The Miao are traditionally farmers and live in tile-roofed houses made from local timber. Relatives come to help when new houses are built. The men are excellent carpenters; they use no nails when constructing a dwelling. Several generations usually occupy a house.

The Miao celebrate nearly a hundred festivals. On such occasions, young men and women …