War And Persecution: The “Silver Jewels” Miao Come To The US
Many people know the Miao for their silver jewels, but about 200 years ago, thousands of Miao people migrated from China into the mountainous areas of Vietnam, Thailand, and Laos. A few lucky groups even made it to the US.
In the Vietnamese War, many Miao people fought alongside US troops against the Pathet Lao. Their leader was General Bao Vang. When the Pathet Lao took control in 1975, many Miao people fled to avoid being persecuted. Many landed in refugee camps ouside of Vietnam.
Before long, many people were able to go to the US, Australia, and Europe, thanks to the UN. Most people tried to go to America. It is believed that some 27,000 Miao refugees made it into the US in 1980.
Refugees began setteling in about 50 different US cities. Brothers, sisters, husbands, and wives were seperated and had to live in different areas. But in the early 1980s, many Miao people started moving into the cities to be closer to friends and family. Interestingly enough, most Miao people now live around the Great Lakes area and California.
Coming to a Western country like the US was not easy, and many Miao people had trouble at first. Back int heir home county, it was acceptable for a man to have mabny wives, but after arrival in the State, they had to choose one and get rid of the others.
Quite a few Miao tribe thought it was acceptable to “kidnap” a woman as a way of asking for her hand in marriage. Obviously in the US that kind of thing is not allowed, so many Miao men found themselves in more than a little trouble.
Almost 30 years went by. Today, the Miao have adapted themselves well to American society while still keeping some of their customs. Now there are over 200,000 Miao/Hmong people in the US. “Hmong” is what they’re called.
In St. Paul-Minneapolis, one of the largest Miao communities, you can find many malls and shops selling colorful Miao costumes and silver jewelry.
During the Miao New Year and other holidays, the Miao dress up with their colorful ethnic costumes and handamde silver jewels to get together with friends and family members. The Miao New Year celebration is usually held over a weekend in autumn. In some years, it even falls on the Fourth of July.
The Miao work hard to protect their ethnic culture. Now, they have their own publications that can introduce their customs and silver jewels to everyone. They also have their radio stations broadcasting the Miao language.
Most Miao send their Chinldren to special schools so they can learn about their ancient culture no matter where they are. Some Miao people in the US even make elaborate sterling silver jewels like those found in China.
