Hainan`s Li People – An island`s human history
The Li ethnic group is the indigenous people of Hainan, having inhabited the island for over 3000 years, during which they have imprinted an indelible human presence on the island that still thrives today.
The Li people were believed to be the earliest settlers of Hainan and with a current population of over one million scattered throughout the Li-Miao Autonomous Prefecture in Hainan, they are still a vibrant part of the islands alluring culture and continued history.
The Li ethnic group consists of five branches: the Qi, Ha, Run, Sai and Meifu. Their ancestors can be traced back to the Luoyue people - a branch of the ancient Baiyue tribe who once lived in South China. Early before the Qin and Han periods, ancestors of Li ethnic group immigrated into Hainan Island from Guangdong and Guangxi provinces. At first, they only lived in the monticule and mesa areas near the gulfs and rivers, later, they gradually moved to all parts of the Island. During the Sui Dynasty, they were called as "Liliao"; and after the Song Dynasty, "Li ethnic group" was formally used to address them. Li people call themselves "Sai" people.
The Li people have the earliest weaving technology in Chinese history. Li women are skilled in spinning and weaving and are especially adept at weaving silk cotton. The brocade they make has a long reputation for its magnificence and exquisite workmanship. In the very early days, the Li people knew how to use silk cotton as weaving material. In the 5th century, Li textile technology reached a considerably high level. In the early Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), Huang Daopo, an expert in ancient textiles, learnt the advanced the textile skills from the Li people. She returned to her native home in Wunijing (today's Shanghai), Songjiang Prefecture to teach textile technology, thereby pushing forward the development of China's traditional textile industry.
Today, most Li people wear Chinese-style clothing rather than their traditional costume. Traditional clothing is worn only for festivals and some ceremonies such as weddings and funerals.
Most Li practice traditional ethnic religions, including ancestor worship, worshiping earth gods and spirits. They believe the spirits of their ancestors have the ability to protect them.
The Li people are good at singing and dancing. Their folk songs are rich in content with styles in three-, five-, seven- and nine-word sentences. The Li nationality dances combine art and physical culture and are brisk and lively. On each happy occasion, Li men and women sing in antiphonal style or sing and dance all through the night. They also have many different kinds of vertical bamboo flutes, some of which can be played either by the mouth or nose.
Li people celebrate the Spring Festival, Lantern Festival, March 3rd Festival, the Ox Festival etc. The March 3rd Festival, as a festival of ancestor worship, is the most important of all
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