English lyrics translated from Miao/Hmong language:
Hey, guests from faraway places.
We are happy to meet you.
We invite our sisters to welcome you.
Unfortunately we dont have any good wine and dish.
We only have our goodwill.
We greet you with a cup of light wine.
Please drink it.
Come to dance with us.
Dont return home until you are fully content.
———-
This song is a typical traditional Miao/Hmong folk song. Listen to it carefully and you will feel that this song sounds like spring rain dripping down from the sky.
It is Miao’s culture not to boast oneself. So even they say “we don’t have good dish and wine for you”, they actually give you their best dish and wine. Also Miao’s wine is very strong, so “light wine” mentioned by them could be a firewater for you.
———-
Miao people’s Emblem:
http://www.worldartmuseum.cn/content/413/807_1.shtml
This emblem was designed by an ethnic Miao designer. From upper left to upper right: lusheng (qeej in Miao/Hmong language), butterfly, maple leaf. Lusheng is a typical Miao musical instrument; butterfly mother is the origin of Miao people in Miao legends; Miao people’s first king named Chiyou was locked in a maple shackle by his enemies; maple tree is still considered as a sacred tree to keep village safe in many Miao villages. From lower left to lower right: ox-head dragon and kylin. These two sacred animals are often used as decorative figures in Miao embroidery.
Leave Comment