The Mulao Ethnic Group， A Culture Steeped in Mountain and Field

The Mulao people, one of China's distinctive ethnic minorities, primarily reside in the karst mountain regions of northern Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, with the majority living in Luocheng Mulao Autonomous County. Smaller communities can also be found in neighboring Guizhou Province. With a population of around 260,000, they have developed a unique cultural heritage shaped by their agrarian lifestyle, close-knit communities, and adaptation to the rugged terrain, making them an integral part of China's ethnic diversity.

Mulao traditional clothing is simple yet elegant, reflecting their agricultural roots and practical needs. Women typically wear indigo-dyed jackets with loose sleeves and matching trousers, often adorned with delicate embroidery on the collars, cuffs, and hems. The embroidery features patterns of flowers, birds, and geometric designs, using threads in muted tones that blend with the indigo fabric. They accessorize with silver hairpins, earrings, and necklaces, which are passed down through generations as family heirlooms. Married women often wrap their hair in a bun and cover it with a black or blue headscarf, while unmarried women may wear their hair in braids. Men's attire consists of loose blue or black jackets and trousers, paired with cloth shoes, and they often carry a tobacco pouch or a small knife at their waist for daily use.

The traditional Mulao village is nestled in the valleys between karst peaks, with houses built close to one another to form compact communities. Most homes are made of brick or stone, with tiled roofs that slope gently to shed rain. A typical Mulao house has a central courtyard, surrounded by rooms for living, sleeping, and storing grain. The kitchen, with a large earthen stove, is the heart of the home, where families gather to cook and share meals. Villages are often organized around a ancestral hall, a sacred space where rituals, meetings, and festivals are held, reflecting the Mulao people's emphasis on family and community.

Agriculture is the foundation of Mulao life, with rice, corn, and sweet potatoes as staple crops. They have developed sophisticated farming techniques to cultivate crops on the steep slopes of the karst mountains, using terraced fields and irrigation systems to maximize arable land. Mulao farmers are also skilled at growing cash crops such as tobacco, sugarcane, and medicinal herbs, which are sold at local markets. Livestock raising, particularly of pigs, chickens, and cattle, supplements their diet and provides additional income.

The "Yifan Festival" is the most important celebration in the Mulao calendar, held once every three to five years (depending on the village) to honor ancestors and pray for good fortune, health, and a bountiful harvest. The festival lasts for several days and involves elaborate rituals led by "shamans" or elders. It begins with offerings of food, wine, and incense at the ancestral hall, followed by processions through the village, where participants carry colorful flags and statues of deities. A highlight is the "Yifan Dance," performed by men wearing masks depicting various gods and spirits, with movements that tell stories of the Mulao people's history and mythology. The festival also features feasts, singing, and traditional games, bringing the entire community together in celebration.

Another significant festival is the "Spring Festival," which is celebrated with customs similar to those of the Han people but with unique Mulao touches. Families clean their homes, decorate with red paper cuttings, and prepare special foods such as glutinous rice cakes and braised pork. On New Year's Eve, they gather for a reunion dinner, and children receive red envelopes containing money as a wish for prosperity. During the festival, young people visit relatives to pay their respects, and villages host lion dances and folk performances.

Mulao cuisine is simple yet flavorful, with a focus on locally grown ingredients. Rice is the staple, prepared in various forms such as steamed rice, rice noodles, and glutinous rice cakes. "Braised pork with taro" is a popular dish, combining tender pork with the earthy flavor of taro. "Sour bamboo shoot soup" is another favorite, made with fermented bamboo shoots, pork bones, and chili, offering a tangy and spicy taste that stimulates the appetite. The Mulao people also enjoy pickled vegetables, which are stored in jars to be eaten throughout the year, adding a burst of flavor to meals. Tea is a daily beverage, often served with snacks like roasted peanuts or sesame cakes.

The Mulao people have a rich tradition of oral literature, including folk songs, stories, and proverbs. Folk songs are an important part of daily life, sung while working in the fields, during festivals, or as a way to express love. They are often performed in antiphonal style, with men and women singing back and forth, using metaphors from nature to convey their feelings. Stories, passed down through generations, recount the origins of the Mulao people, tales of heroes, and moral lessons. Proverbs, concise and wise, offer guidance on life, family, and community, such as "A family that helps each other thrives; a village that unites is strong."

Traditional crafts of the Mulao people include weaving, embroidery, and bamboo work. Women are skilled at weaving cloth from cotton and hemp, using simple looms to create fabrics that are then dyed indigo. They also excel at embroidery, using their skills to decorate clothing, bags, and household items. Men are adept at making bamboo products, such as baskets, mats, and farming tools, which are both functional and beautifully crafted.

Mulao society is built on strong family and clan ties. Families are extended, with several generations living together under one roof, and clan members support each other in times of need. The ancestral hall serves as the center of clan activities, where members gather to honor their ancestors, resolve disputes, and make decisions that affect the entire clan. Respect for elders is a core value, and young people are taught to obey and care for their parents and grandparents.

In modern times, the Mulao people have embraced new technologies and ways of life while preserving their cultural heritage. Many young people have moved to cities for work, but they return to their villages during festivals to participate in traditional rituals. Efforts to protect Mulao culture include documenting folk songs and stories, teaching the Mulao language in schools, and promoting traditional crafts as tourist attractions. The Yifan Festival, in particular, has become a popular event, drawing visitors from across China to experience Mulao traditions.

The Mulao ethnic group's culture is a testament to their resilience, hard work, and strong sense of community. Their traditions, rooted in the mountains and fields they have cultivated for generations, offer a unique glimpse into China's rural ethnic diversity, a celebration of the simple joys of life and the bonds that hold communities together.