Geography of Lahu (拉祜族)
The Lahu live in compact communities in Yunnan province, where they grow tea, tobacco, buckwheat and sisal hemp. Dense forests are home to bears, deer and parrots, as well as medicinal herbs.
Their language is related to Chinese and Tibetan; most also speak Chinese and Dai, though formerly they used to carve wood to pass messages. An alphabetic script was introduced by Western priests, but this was reformed after 1949 and is now their official written language.
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Population: 453,705
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Distribution: Yunnan
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Language: Lahu
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Religion: Buddhism
Culture of Lahu (拉祜族)
Music and dancing play a large role in Lahu society, and they also have a rich history of oral literature, including ‘Tuopuke’ puzzle poems.
History of Lahu (拉祜族)
Lahu people used to be renowned for their hunting skills and would even hunt tigers. After the emergence of the Nanzhao regime in the 8th century, the Lahus moved south; by the 18th century, they had settled in the places they still live in today.Their lifestyles were influenced by the Hans and Dais when their economic development meant they came under a feudal system, and even their customs adapted accordingly.
Traditions of Lahu (拉祜族)
Like many other ethnic minority groups, their houses are built on stilts, with animals living below and the families living in the space above.Only a few marriages were arranged, with most young people being free to choose their own partners. Women held the dominant role; after the wedding, her husband moved into her house, and family was traced through the maternal line. In other areas, men dominated, though, after 1949, many of the old customs, such as betrothal gifts, were neglected.
Unlike many ethnic minority peoples, the Lahu traditionally cremated their dead, with mourners led to the cremation ground by women. In some places, the dead were buried. Whatever method was used, on the day of the funeral, everyone in the village would stop working to mourn.
Religion of Lahu (拉祜族)
Formerly, the Lahu worshipped several gods, though Exia was believed to be the creator of mankind and the universe, and was in a place unreachable by non-Lahu people.Mahayana Buddhism was introduced in the early Qing dynasty by monks who were opposed to the Qing regime. In some areas, religion merged with politics, though local Buddhist bodies were disintegrated by the defeat of peasant uprisings and military suppression by the Qing government. Mahayana, however, remained popular as a religion.
Modern Times of Lahu (拉祜族)
Prior to 1949, Han and Lahu landlords exacted land rents from farmers of up to fifty per cent of the crop yield. The Lahu people were exploited by the tribute-paying system, making peasants subordinate to the landlords. Life has since improved.
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