Why do Miao people like silver ornaments so much?
1. Silver ornaments are a symbol of the Miao people in ancient times: long ago, the Miao people began to advocate silver ornaments, not only for decorative beauty, but also for the totem culture of the Miao people and a symbol of the Miao people.
Second, silver ornaments played a role in informing people to escape in ancient wars: during the war, Miao ancestors hung bells on silver ornaments to ensure that tribal people gathered together and prevented them from getting separated. When the enemy raided, people could be informed in this way.
3. Silver ornaments are a barometer of the body: in the eyes of Miao people, silver can be used to detect poison, and the tradition that silver ornaments can prevent and treat diseases has been passed down since ancient times. Miao women also wear silver bracelets and other silver ornaments in their daily lives to predict diseases and play a role in timely prevention and treatment.
There are many kinds of Miao costumes. According to statistics, there are more than 200 kinds. According to the region, it can be divided into five types: Xiangxi type, Qiandong type, Sichuan-Guizhou-Yunnan type, Central-South Guizhou type and Hainan type, with more than 20 styles.
There are many kinds of Miao silver ornaments, including headdress, neck ornaments, chest ornaments, hand ornaments, sheng ornaments and children's hats. But a single headdress includes horns, fans, hats, hairpins, pins, top flowers, net chains, flower combs, earrings and so on. Three words are used to summarize the characteristics of Miao silver ornaments, that is, large, heavy and numerous. Miao people have been wearing silver ornaments for 1000 years. Silver ornaments are indispensable decorations for clothing. If it is made by a silversmith, it will take at least half a year to make a complete set of silverware.