The Miao people blow the reed sheng and dance the dance to celebrate the Miao year. Photo by Liang Qiang.
On January 10, the people of Yaosu Village, Gongdong Township, Rongshui Miao Autonomous County, Liuzhou City, Guangxi Province, were singing and dancing to celebrate the arrival of the Miao Year. It was the Chinese New Year's Eve of the Miao Year and the most solemn day during the Miao Year. In the evening, each family prepares New Year's cakes, glutinous rice, sour fish, and wine to wait for the arrival of the "chicken and duck" team. The "chicken and duck" team is composed of young people and children, who are divided into groups to carry bamboo whips and go from house to house to beat the corrals and poultry houses. It is said that this is to drive away the ghosts and spirits, and to pray for the prosperity of the six animals and the longevity of the new year.
The Miao people kill pigs and make dishes to celebrate the Miao New Year. Photo by Liang Qiang.
The Miao people blow the reed sheng and dance the dance to celebrate the Miao year. Photo by Liang Qiang.
The Miao people beat the rice cake to celebrate the Miao year. Photo by Liang Qiang.
The "chickens and ducks" team armed with bamboo whips went from house to house and knocked on the corrals and poultry houses. Photo by Liang Qiang.
The Miao people blow the reed sheng to celebrate the Miao year. Photo by Liang Qiang.
The Miao people welcomed the "chicken and duck" team with barricade wine. Photo by Liang Qiang.
Miao people welcome the "chicken and duck" team at home. Photo by Liang Qiang.
Miao people dance to celebrate the Miao New Year. Photo by Liang Qiang.
Miao people welcome the "chicken and duck" team at home. Photo by Liang Qiang.
Miao ethnic barbecue gathering. Photo by Liang Qiang.
During the Chinese New Year in the Miao year, the local Miao people kill pigs in each family for the New Year, the small family reunites, and takes turns to kill the pigs of the family every day, and the family, relatives and friends eat pork together. The Miao family also likes to get married during the Miao year, and there are traditional customs such as blowing reeds, dancing in the hall, and playing in the same year.