These people, who call themselves Mien, originate from China and,
culturally, are the most Chinese influenced of the ethnic groups living
in Thailand. They have a long tradition of writing their language in Chinese
and practice a religion based on an old version of Chinese Taoism. This
has been merged with strong elements of animism, ancestor worship and Shamanism.
The sea spirit plays a prominent role in Yao religious activities, so
when a person dies, a paper and banana leaf boat is made for the deceased
soul to be taken across the seas to the spiritual world.
Many Yao communities possess a number of important books, written in
Chinese, which are read by the headmen and referred to on specific occasions
- such as seeking auspicious dates for certain activities and deciding
where to build new houses. The 'Ancestor Book' contains names of ancestors
going back about 9 generations.
There are some 40,000 Yao living in Thailand, the majority living in
the provinces of Chiangrai, Phrayo, Nan and Lampang. The total population
is estimated to be around 2 million, with some 1.5 million living in southern
China, 200,000 in Vietnam and 20,000 in Laos and Burma.
Marriage involves a dowry being paid for the bride and the new family
setting up home with the husband's family and any other members of the
extended family. The marriage may be polygamous and pre-marital sexual
relations are still common, but abating with better education about the
risk of sexually transmitted diseases.
In the past, opium was a major source of income, though today the Yao
tend to make their living from selling handicrafts to tourists. However,
they remain farmers who are principally dependant on cash crops of maize,
peanuts, soy bean, fruits and vegetables with paddy rice cultivated for
domestic use.
Next month: What does the future hold for the 13 main groups of mountain
people in Thailand? Samantha Burman concludes this series with an examination
of the many challenges they face.
JUST LIKE THE REAL THING?
Click for larger photograph
Almost! This metal bas relief of a Mitsubishi A6M2 Zero-Sen actually
represents an aircraft of the 64th Sentai, wich was stationed here at Chiangmai.
Framed in dark Thai timber, each piece is numbered and only 1000 pieces
will ever be produced. Made by Thai craftsmen with care.
The award-winning Chiangmai Zoo at the foot of Doi Suthep
introduced a baby giraffe recently, and is preparing for the arrival of
a pair of rare pandas from China (...).
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