Chinese Miao games combine acrobatics with martial arts
By admin | July 12, 2009
Who are the Miao?
Living in the mountainous areas of south and southwestern China, the Miao minority group has an very long history and colorful culture. Their embroidery, ethnic jewelry, and batik art is second to none in the world. The Miao love sports, and they have various games held in their areas frequently, some of which you may have never known before.
Climbing a knife ladder
A Miao knife ladder is 12 meters high, with 72 knives as rungs. The performances will first cut their hair or a piece of cloth with the knives to testify to the sharpness of them.
The unshod performers then start to climb the knife ladder, and their feet don’t get any hurt. They will not only climb, but also show off some acrobatic feats such as somersaults and 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.Some smoke runs off his/her feet, but unbelievably their feet aren’t injured.
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 interesting horse fighting games allure lots of people to come and see. Girls will dress up with beautiful silver ornaments like amazing silver necklaces, because this is an important day for them to go out and show off.
Two fellows walk their horses into a large field, then the game begins. The two horses at once involves in a furious combat after they meet. They fight each other by biting and kicking ferociously. One horse is defeated and flees after a few rounds of fighting, with the other running after it.
The audience around the rink yell excitely for the horses. At last, the winner will get a red cloth sash to decorate his body.
Horse races
Horse races are held on steep mountain roads. When the game starts, the rider is 5 or six meters behind the horse.
The rider then runs and jumps onto the back of the horse, which then in turn starts to gallop immediately. 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.
It’s really a thrilling horse race. Besides receiving a reward, the winner will probably be able to capture the heart of the local girls.
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 spent many hours and days learning about Miao culture. Sometimes she promotes certain Miao silversmiths. Check out her website above to see pictures of the Miao people and their fine silver work.
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