She people
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| She people | |
|---|---|
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| Group | She people |
| Native name | 畲族 |
| Population | 709,592 (2010 census) |
| Popplace | Fujian, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Guangdong, Anhui |
| Languages | She language, Hakka Chinese, Min Chinese |
| Religions | Ancestor worship, Taoism, Buddhism |
| Related | Yao people, Miao people |
She people. The She are one of the 56 officially recognized ethnic groups in China, primarily distributed across the mountainous regions of southeastern China. Their history is marked by migration, a distinct cultural identity centered on ancestor worship and the legendary figure Pan Hu, and the preservation of unique traditions like She embroidery and folk songs. While most She now speak local varieties of Chinese, efforts continue to revive their own She language, which belongs to the Hmong-Mien family.
History and origins
The origins of the She are complex and intertwined with the histories of other southern ethnic groups. Many scholars link them closely to the Yao people, with both groups sharing the foundational myth of Pan Hu, a dragon-dog who married an emperor's daughter. Historical records, such as those from the Tang dynasty, mention "She" communities in the mountainous areas of Fujian and Guangdong, often referring to them as "slash-and-burn" agriculturists. During the Song dynasty and subsequent periods, significant northward migration occurred into Zhejiang and Jiangxi, often due to conflict or the search for arable land. Throughout the Ming dynasty and Qing dynasty, the She were frequently referenced in official documents, sometimes pejoratively, and were involved in various local uprisings, such as those during the Taiping Rebellion. Their recognition as a distinct nationality was formalized following the Chinese Communist Party's ethnic identification project in the 1950s.
Language and culture
The traditional She language is part of the Hmong-Mien linguistic family, though it is now critically endangered with only a few elderly speakers in Boluo County, Guangdong. Most She people today are fluent in the local Hakka Chinese or Min Chinese dialects of their regions. Culturally, they are renowned for their vibrant She embroidery, which features intricate phoenix and floral patterns and is applied to clothing and accessories. Their oral traditions are rich, encompassing ancient epic poetry known as "Gaohuangge" and a variety of folk songs performed during festivals and rituals. Important annual celebrations include the Third Day of the Third Month festival and ceremonies honoring Pan Hu. Traditional attire for women often includes distinctive phoenix coronets and heavily embroidered collars.
Demographics and distribution
According to the 2010 Chinese census, the She population was 709,592. They are primarily concentrated in the provinces of Fujian and Zhejiang, which together account for over 80% of the total She population. Significant communities also exist in Jiangxi, Guangdong, and Anhui. There is a notable autonomous administrative area, the Jingning She Autonomous County, located in Zhejiang. Other major population centers include Fuan City and Xiapu County in Fujian. While historically a rural and mountainous people, modernization has led to increasing migration to urban centers like Fuzhou and Wenzhou.
Society and religion
Traditional She society was organized around patrilineal clans, with surnames like Lan, Lei, and Zhong being the most common. These clans maintained detailed genealogical records and played a central role in social organization and ancestor worship. Their religious beliefs are a syncretic blend of animism, ancestor worship, and elements of Taoism and Buddhism. The worship of Pan Hu as a primordial ancestor is central, with many villages housing ancestral temples dedicated to him. Religious specialists, known as Shi Gong, conduct rituals for healing, funerals, and festivals, often using painted scrolls depicting mythological figures. These practices were suppressed during the Cultural Revolution but have seen a revival in recent decades.
Notable She people
Several She individuals have gained prominence in various fields. In politics, Lei Jieqiong was a well-known sociologist and vice chairperson of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress. Military figures include Lei Wanfu, a People's Liberation Army officer. In the arts, Lan Chengzhong is recognized for his contributions to preserving She folk songs, while contemporary singer and actress Zhong Xin has brought visibility to the She in popular culture. Athletes like Lei Tilan have also represented China in international competitions such as the Asian Games.