Curious about the origins of a people called both “dog” and “savage?” This is the story of Yuankou Yao Ethnic Township. Yuankou Yao Ethnic Township is not just a place. It is a tapestry woven from history, culture, and the enduring spirit of the Yao people.
Yuankou Yao Ethnic Township stands as a testament to the Yao people. Their story stretches back two millennia. Originating near Hunan’s Dongting Lake, their tale speaks of Emperor Gao Xin. Saved by a faithful dog, Pan Hu, the emperor rewarded him. Pan Hu became a man and married the emperor’s daughter. From them sprang the Yao people.
Between 200 BCE and 900 CE, they migrated south. They sought refuge in mountainous regions. These mountains lay south of the Yangtze River.
During the Ming and Qing dynasties, control over the Yao tightened. Ming and Qing authorities collected taxes directly. This supplanted the role of Yao chieftains. Conflict drove the Yao further. They moved into highlands between Hunan and Guizhou. They stretched into Guangdong and Guangxi. Some even ventured into eastern Yunnan. Some Yao even left for Southeast Asia.
The Yao people are distinctive. Their colorful national dress catches the eye. Often Yao women have extremely long hair. They coil it atop their heads. In Nandan County, Yao men wear white bloomers. They are thus called ‘Baiku Yao’. In Liannan area, some men keep long hair. They coil it and cover it with red cloth. Pheasant feathers stick out showing their handsome pose. Some women wear short jackets without collars. Others wear long coats. Three arc silver hairpins adorn the head. They sometimes weigh half a kilogram.
Headgear is also colorful. Both men and women wrap their hair. It is shaped like a basin. A long black cloth secures it. They think the bigger the better. During festivals, women comb their hair. It becomes a shape of a needle. Colorful handkerchiefs cover it. A man tangles a piece of white handkerchief. Red and yellow flowery devices embroider it. The middle device sits on top. Both sides droop on the ears. A triangular earring hangs on the left ear.
The houses in Yuankou Yao Ethnic Township are mostly bamboo. They usually have three rooms. The middle room serves as a hall. Both wing-rooms contain a fireplace and bedroom. Some buildings have stories. The upper story is for living. The substrate is for livestock. Some homes have a bathroom for every night.
The Yao are very hospitable. HanJingg bags on the wall are custom. When a visitor enters, they should put their bag on the hall wall. The master will invite them to a meal. Refusal is frowned upon and you will not be entertained.
Staple foods are diverse. In Guibei area, Dayou Tea prevails. They fry tea with oil and salt. It is mixed with fried soybean. Some people eat it for lunch.
Guipiao wine is for honored guests. It is made from glorious rice. It tastes sweet and fine. The more a guest drinks, the happier the host. They cannot let the visitor know until they cook domestic animals well. Chicken, meat, and salt fill bowls. Guests and masters must have all in turn. Otherwise, it seems they look down on the masters. After a meal, chopsticks will be hung up with both hands. This shows respect.
Many taboos exist in daily life. Don’t speak strange words in the morning. A woman with a baby cannot carry on water for thirty-three days. Children cannot sit on wooden stools or sleep in beds when their parents die. Praising fat cattle is a disaster for a guest. Rudeness before a woman is bad. You cannot enter a hall with straw sandals. Spitting is also forbidden.
Festival celebrations fill every month. There are Spring Festival and Kitchen God Festival. Tomb-sweeping Day and Danu Festival are also celebrated. Shuiwang Festival also occurs. Danu Festival is more important in Guangxi. They say it remembers the fight against Tusi. Shuiwang Festival is held on October 16 of the Chinese calendar. It helps young people to fall in love.
Today Yuankou Yao Ethnic Township offers a glimpse into this rich heritage. It is a place where ancient customs meet the modern world. The Yao people are keeping their unique identity alive. They are adding their vibrant colors to China’s cultural mosaic.