Mien People

by Ae

Mien people originated in China, until they were forced to leave and separate. There were conflicts in China, and Mien people came as refugees to Southeast Asia. Miens settled in places like Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. Mien culture is fascinating. For one thing, Mien language, speech and dialogue are pretty fun. Mien language was created during the 1980s. Since the whole language is new, it is really hard to understand, even for grownups. The Mien language consists of 30 consonants, 19 vowels, and 5 vocal tones, depending on where you live.

Mien is actually a culture. In Mien culture, it's all about the clothing, like the turban, called a "mnqorngv-beu," worn on the head by both genders. There are also the shirts called "liu," pants called "houx," the sash called "la sin," wedding clothes, and jewelry.

The special wedding clothes include a banner for both bride and groom. The men wear clothing that is fancy and detailed, but the women's have even more details. She wears a headpiece with a silk scarf, a face veil, and lots of jewelry with cultural meaning. The embroidery tells stories about our culture. The embroidery and designs make it beautiful, unique, and worth having.

As for me, I rather prefer the foods that we eat, especially foods at festivals and on holidays. Foods Mien people eat are related to some of the Laotian and Vietnamese cuisine. My favorites are beef noodle soup, papaya salad, taamsaam, and a tropical tapioca dessert called Noam Van, which is made with fruit, coconut milk, cream and sugar.

In Mien culture, folktales help keep the young's imagination open and alive. It also help keep us together, and to know each other better. Folktales are passed down from generation to generation.

Mien beliefs range from Christianity to Buddhism. Why do Mien people have different beliefs and not all the same? Well, this is what I think: I think that when Mien people were forced out of China, some Mien still wanted to hold on to their beliefs but others wanted to have a new start with new beliefs.

Basically, Mien culture has all the same traits (religion, language, clothing, food, folktales, myths) as any other culture would have, but it is special in its own ways.

Return to Laotian Celebrations main page.