A Miao Song
This clip highlights sound: of batik lady Naijin Yang and other craftswomen sing a Miao song while hosting a meal for visiting groups at Ninghang Batik Workshop
This clip highlights sound: of batik lady Naijin Yang and other craftswomen sing a Miao song while hosting a meal for visiting groups at Ninghang Batik Workshop
Singing is an integral part of Miao culture—deeply woven into daily life and cultural memory. Historically, the Miao people had no written language, so songs became a vital means of expressing emotions and preserving knowledge. Through singing, they pass down ancestral migration stories, perform rituals such as funeral songs to guide the spirits of the departed, and express love or familial bonds.
For example, during Youfang—a traditional Miao dating custom—young men and women meet in designated outdoor settings to chat, sing to one another and build emotional connections. These songs often express admiration, longing, and playful teasing.
The song in this clip describes how beautiful girls and boys arrive in groups at the Youfang place. In this performance, the Miao women sing in praise the beauty of the "newcomers"—in this case, referring to the visiting guests.
