Dong Ethnic Culture

The remote mountain valley region where Guizhou, Guangxi and Hunan provinces meet constitutes the traditional homeland of China's Dong ethnic group.

 

With a total population exceeding 1.4 million, 849,000 inhabit Guizhou, 318,000live in Hunan and 229,000in guangxi. Dong communities living in different areas vary considerably in both customs and traditional clothing styles.

 

At least 30 distinct dress groups can be found among the Dong; seldom do Dong from one dress style marry into a Dong group of a differing style. Generally, the Dong nationality can be divided into "Northern" and "Southern" Dong.

 

Dong from the northern counties of Guizhou's Tianzhu, Jinping, Sansui and Jianhe have lost many traditions due to stronger Han influence, as these areas in close proximity to a main transportation route.

 

Dong in the more remote southern areas Guizhou, and in Hunan and Guangxi have retained their diverse culture, traditional dress styles, and unique architecture.

 

Religion of Dong Ethnic
In everyday life, there exists among the Dong, animistic religious beliefs and practices; benevolent and malevolent spirits exist everywhere in nature. Valley's, rivers, mountains, trees and rocks, the netherworld, bridges and wells, all have spiritual significance and attending spirits that must be acknowledged and taken care of in the proper way, so as to not destroy an existing balance.

 

In some parts of the mountains, the land cannot be dug; some trees are not to be cut; there are stones that cannot be cracked. If people trespass against beliefs, it is believed disaster is syre to follow.

 

Richness of cultural heritage
The Dong people continue to display the richness of their cultural heritage as excellent musicians, superb architects, and makers of high quality textiles. ncient structures such as "wind and rain" bridges, are hallmarks of the Dong's unique culture. As in ages part, these bridges continue to grace the area's many rivers and streams, offering sheltered test for weary travelers.

 

Silver ornaments are another important aspect of a Dong woman's dress, especially among those in the south. Jewelry styles, though basically the same among the various Dong groups, do bear some distinctions such as the silver "weight" that hangs down the back of a woman's jacket (see page 65). This ornament, worn by many southern Dong women, holds the traditional backless under-apron in place.

 

Several stories relate to the symbolism of wearing this distinct Dong ornament. Some say it is worn in remembrance of their ancestors, who, according to legend, were once held captive in ropes. Others hold the belief that by wearing this silver, they will avoid evil by thwarting malevolent spirits, thus ensuring a long life. Additionally, it is viewed a having both practical value and beauty, as well as a visual record of family wealth; a rich family's daughter would wear a much larger and heavier silver back ornament than a poor family's.

 

The back silver piece in some areas is formed in a shape known as the "mandarin duck pattern", which is considered an auspicious motif. This design (of two concentric circles oppositely joining) is also embroidered on baby carriers, and collars of women's jackets. In other Dong areas, the women wear heavy octagonal or square back silver pieces. These silver back ornaments are worn everyday, whether working in the fields or staying at home.

 

The village environment of the Dong is one of serene beauty, set beside meandering streams and wooded mountains. In the sheltered protection of these remote landscapes, age-old traditions have managed to survive, giving us an understanding of this little-known nationality.