Colorful Nations: Exploring the Diversified Features of the Land of China

China is a multi-ethnic country with fifty-six different nationalities. Each minority has its unique geographical location, population distribution and long history. For example, the Yi people in Yunnan, located in the southwest border, are famous for their rich natural resources and splendid culture, while the Mongolians living on the northern grasslands show their bold and unrestrained character.

These ethnic minorities have each formed a very different but intertwined way of life and social structure. For example, Miao women are good at embroidery handmade products, and they pass on their exquisite works as a family treasure from generation to generation; the Uygur people love singing and dancing, and they are filled with cheerful music everywhere in the streets. Through in-depth understanding of the stories of each ethnic group, we can better appreciate the colorful side of the big family of the Chinese nation.

Traditional practices: the wisdom of life handed down from generation to generation

The traditional customs of ethnic minorities are like a living history book, recording the experience and philosophy accumulated by our ancestors for thousands of years. The wedding ceremony is one of the most important parts. Take Tibetans as an example. Before the wedding, the families of both men and women will hold a grand "engagement banquet". The man needs to bring hada and other gifts to visit the woman's home and accept the blessings of the elders. This solemn and warm form not only expresses the good hope for the future marriage, but also reflects the social fashion of respecting the elderly.

Religious beliefs also play an important role in many ethnic minorities. The Naxi Dongba believers believe that all things have spirits, and they regularly hold activities to worship the heavens and pray for blessings, so as to seek the protection of the gods, good weather, peace and health. Whenever this time, the villagers will gather together to dance and sing, and pray that the days of happiness and well-being will continue forever. Through these ancient customs and habits, we seem to see how our ancestors used wisdom to build a harmonious and beautiful home in the past years.

The Beauty of Costume: The Art of Wearing on the body

The costumes of ethnic minorities are not only a part of daily wear, but also a work of art that carries profound historical and cultural connotations. From the selection of materials to the production process, and then to the color matching, every step is the result of the craftsman's painstaking efforts. For example, Zhuang brocade, which is a kind of handmade fabric handed down from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region to this day, is embroidered with various pattern symbols implying good luck. Wearing such a gorgeous dress is like opening a vivid picture of humanity, which makes people intoxicated.

Let's look back at the little flower hat that Uygur women in Xinjiang love to wear-"Gapa". Its exquisite degree is breathtaking, small and exquisite but inlaid with countless fine bead string decoration. This hat is not only a beautiful ornament, but also contains strong local characteristics and personal taste. When we look at each piece of clothing carefully, we can feel the deep meaning behind the precious wealth left to us by the craftsmen in the distant time and space.

Music and Dance: Pumping Soul Melody

Ethnic minorities have a variety of musical forms and unique dance movements, which constitute one of the most infectious cultural elements in this land. Whether it's a melodious flute or a passionate drum beat, these beautiful sounds can always touch the softest part of the soul. With the sound of singing, "Ashima"-style collective dance steps will also appear. People hold hands in a circle, singing and dancing to express their yearning for a better life.

There are many other types of performing arts waiting to be discovered in this vast land. The Lusheng players in the Dong village in Guizhou often play beautiful tunes at the head of the village, attracting many villagers to watch and listen; the figure riding on the prairie of Inner Mongolia, accompanied by the beating sound of Dongbula strings, constitutes a spectacular picture. All this shows the optimistic attitude of the local residents and the rich and colorful spiritual world.

Food Feast: Exoticism on the Tip of the Tongue

When it comes to ethnic minority food culture, we have to mention the taste shock that those unique flavors of food bring to people. Like the ghee tea on the Tibetan plateau, it is a drink made from yak milk and flavored with a moderate amount of salt. Drink a warm stomach and quench thirst, but also quickly replenish energy to restore physical strength. On the occasion of the festival celebration, family and friends will gather together to share delicious food. At this time, the table is full of all kinds of snacks and cakes, including Zanba and highland barley wine, which are popular among the public.

Equally mouth-watering are the cold noodles with Korean characteristics in the three northeastern provinces. Cold and refreshing noodles are served with fresh vegetables and fruits, shredded, mixed and poured with sauce. It tastes moderately sweet and sour, refreshing and appetizing. In addition to the staple food, there are many authentic farm dishes to taste, such as spicy cabbage stewed bean curd soup, barbecue platter and so on. There are endless stories behind each dish. It is these ordinary and special flavors that form a complete and true national cultural epitome.

festival carnival: gathering time to witness national culture

Every spring, when the peach blossom is in full bloom, it is the time for the Tibetan calendar year to come. On this jubilant day, the entire Tibetan area is decorated with extraordinary beauty. The streets were lined with flags and streamers, the temple gates were crowded with worshippers, and the air was filled with incense.