Silver Jewels On The Go: Miao People Immigrate 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.
Most people don’t know, but many Miao people fought and died with US troops during the Vietnam War. General Bao Vang was their leader. Unfortunately the Pathet Lao took control in 1975 and many Miao had to leave quickly to avoid being persecuted. Many landed in refugee camps ouside of Vietnam.
In large part because of help from the UN, many refugees were able to go to a number of western countries. Most refugees went to America. In 1980 alone, about 27,000 Miao refugees were allowed to immigrate to the US.
They were sent to around 50 cities in the US. Families were torn apart as many people had to go to a new place to live. 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.
In Laos, the Miao had a tradition of “kidnapping” a woman then informing the woman’s family to ask for agreement of marriage. Some Miao men tried to do the same thing in the US, which landed them in trouble with the cops.
Thirty years past. Nowadays, many Miao people are sued to living in teh US but have not lost their traditions. There are about 200,000 Miao residents in America. They are called Hmong.
In St. Paul-Minneapolis you can find some great Miao silver jewels because this city holds one of the largest Miao communities.
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. Miao New Years usually takes place over a full weekend in the fall. Sometimes it's held on the Fourth of July.
Most Miao people try hard to keep their unique culture. Keep an eye out for the many Miao/Hmong publications in the US if you want to learn more. 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.