Miao Songs: The long-lasting ancient art

In the long course of history, China's Miao people have expanded their territory in the continuous migration, and have always maintained a unique culture. Miao people are born to be musical and versatile. Sung by the Miao people generation after generation, Miao songs unfold the history as well as the joys and sorrows of this great ethnic group.

In Miao language, Hxak Yeet refers to the songs which are performed loudly to enthusiastic tunes. Hxak Yeet usually praises the hometown,hard work or confesses love. With energetic and appealing melodies, HXak Yeet is applauded by the people as the “shinning diamond of Miao songs”.

Miao love songs are performed by young men and women in the amusement square, an exclusive piece of land constructed by every Miao village for courtship. Love songs are gentler and more romantic than Hxak Yeet.

To Miao people, leaves are musical instruments given by mother nature.  Take a leaf, gently push it between the lips by the forefinger and middle finger, and blow it like a flute will make a distinct leaf song. Miao people are the master of playing leaves, be it bamboo leaves, willow leaves, orange leaves or holly leaves.

Hxak Ghab Bil Ful, or the Miao opera, is performed by the singer who tells a story by playing the role of different characters or even that of narrators. From the true, the good and the beautiful to the gritty realism, Hxak Ghab Bil Ful depicts the vicissitudes of the world. To some extent, Hxak Ghab Bil Ful is the Shakespeare's tragicomedy of Miao people.

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