Who are the Miao?

With an old history and distinctive culture, the Miao ethnic group live in the mountainous south and southwestern China. Their embroidery, ethnic jewelry, and batik art is second to none in the world. The Miao have some rare and interesting games which are different from those in any parts of the world.

Climbing a knife ladder

A Miao knife ladder is 12 meters high, with 72 knives as rungs. Cut their hair or a piece of cloth with the knives, the climbers will first show to people they are extremely sharp.

The unshod performers then start to climb the knife ladder, and their feet don’t get any hurt. When they climb, they will perform some acrobatic feats like flips.

Walking on the flaming iron board

To start this game, an iron board has coals burned on it for over 1 hour and can reach temperatures over 800 degrees Celsius.

The barefooted Miao performer then steps onto the iron boards.Believe it or not, their feet aren’t harmed at all, although there is smoke going off his/her feet.

Throw the iron boards into the water, which at once bubbles and a mist of white vapor ascends.

Horse fighting

Horse fights and horse races are all held on June 6 of the lunar calendar, to express the Miao wishes for a good harvest.

The thrilling horse fighting games appeal to lots of people, who come from far away to watch. Girls will dress up with beautiful silver ornaments like amazing silver necklaces, as this is also a holiday for them to have fun.

Two fellows walk their horses into a large field, then the game begins. The two horses immediately throw themselves into a war once they meet. They attack each other with their hoofs frenziedly. After a few fight rounds, one horse runs to escape, with the other going after it.

People around the playground shout and cheer for the horses. Finally the champ will have a red ribbon decorating his body.

Horse races

Horse races are held on steep mountain roads. With the game setting out, the rider stays somewhere which is 5 or 6 meters aways behind the horse.

The rider then goes to mount the horse, which right away runs at a full gallop. The horse isn’t saddled, and the rider sometimes has to struggle to keep his legs close to the body of the horse and keep from falling off.

The race is really amazing. The champion will not only be awarded a prize, but probably win the heart of the single women.

The Miao have even more exciting games and sports, visit my website to learn more about Miao culture and silver jewelry here.

C. Liu has been studying and researching Miao culture for a long time. Sometimes she promotes certain Miao silversmiths. Check out her website above to see pictures of the Miao people and their fine silver work.