Author: Lorena Zhu (CEO of HELLO Trust Nanning)
Date Published: 15th January, 2024
The Zhuang are the indigenous peoples of Guangxi, and with an estimated population of 16 million, they make up the largest minority group in China. Most of the Zhuang people live in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, a mountainous area that spans roughly 230,000 square kilometers.
With intricate brocades, various musical instruments, and exciting festivals, the Zhuang have a rich culture that has been passed down for centuries. Their unique traditional jewelry includes hairpins, headbands, bracelets, rings, ankle bracelets etc. In an interview with Wendy Ma(a member of HELLO Trust), she tells us that wearing Zhuang jewelry is a dying tradition among young people. She hopes to revive the popularity of wearing traditional dress, and hopes that more people choose to reconnect with their beautiful culture.
Singing, dancing, and opera are all integral parts of Zhuang tradition. Opera is split into two main styles, Guangxi Zhuang Opera(North Road Zhuang Opera, South Road Zhuang Opera, Zhuangshi Opera) and Yunnan Zhuang Opera(Funing Zhuang Opera, Guangnan Zhuang Opera). The split in different styles of Zhuang opera are due to differences in dialects, regions, and influence from other cultures. Zhuang songs are often about the natural world, as many of the Zhuang people often follow a mix of traditional animistic beliefs and Taoism. Nature holds significant importance in their spirituality, and rituals are performed to honor ancestors and connect with the natural world.
As one of the earliest groups to cultivate rice, the Zhuang have a strong affinity for it. They take credit for creating 5 colored glutinous rice, a popular dish that uses natural ingredients to make a bright and multicolored dish of sticky rice. It is considered customary to serve guests with betel nut, which has a bitter taste with a hint of sweetness.
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