Why the Miao Like to Wear Embroidery Costumes
1 min readWe once were puzzled to notice that the embroidery costumes play an indispensable role in almost every important event, no matter fiestas, worshipping ceremonies, celebrations or condolence rituals. It participates and witnesses every part of the daily life of the Ethnic Miaos Then we came to understand that when the embroidery costume is put on, the ancestors are back in their communities.
Their spirits are signified in the embroidery. Miao clothing is classified into three categories: costumes, public clothing and casual wears. Casual wear is for daily life and work. Public clothing is next to costumes and is for receiving and visiting relatives and friends and at minor festivals.The costume is meant for grand events and festivals in Miao community like weddings and Sister Days.
Putting on embroidery costumes with the ancestors’spirits signified on, is tantamount to be shielded, protected and blessed by the ancestors, who will take good care of their offspring. So the embroidery costume is not for shielding from winds and rains and keeping warm, but carrying out the functions of ancestry worship, belief and cultural inheritance.
Miao women in festive dresses in Rongjiang County. To them in festive dresses is tantamount to fairy reincarnation and their dignity, their happiness and the prosperity of the family lie with the festive dress.
