subject: Unique Festival Games From The Land Of Miao Silver Jewels [print this page] The ethnic tribes of Miao living in southern China makes the silver jewels that are unlike any other: made all by hand, with 3, 000-year-old craftsmanship and of 99% pure silver.
In fact, as one of the earliest ethnic groups to live in China, the Miaos are also famous for their distinctive customs.
Of them, the ethnic games played at major Miao festivals are probably the most interesting. Every year, tens of thousands of tourists from around the world flock in to watch.
The game of 'Knife Ladder Climbing' has been around in the Miao tribes for nearly 1, 000 years. It is a game for a Miao man to prove himself he is a real man.
As the name of the game suggests, it's not for the fainted heart! It's a game that puts one's guts to the limit.
The ladder can be as high as 20 to 25 meters, with rungs that are actually knives. The edges of the knives are all up.
What is even formidable is that the contestants have to climb the ladder barefooted. And as they climb, they need to show off their acrobatic moves. The fanciest performance wins a constant a prize.
Dangerous as it is, young Miaos are coming for the game in scores. One reason: girls in their ethnic costume and silver ornaments are watching. They simply can't flinch.
Another Miao game that is equally thrilling is the 'fire walking'. Same as the 'knife ladder climbing', this game is only for a daring heart!
The Miaos set up a big bonfire. Not only do the contestants walk across the fire barefooted, but he has to do so barefooted. If he wants to impress the judges and the crowd, he may have to give a little dance when he does the walking.
He has to be well trained, and well prepared for the challenge.
A Miao fire walking performer reveals that the game is not as harmful as it seems. As long as you don't stay in one spot for no more than 2 seconds, you can be safe. Sizzling it may seems, the charcoal, however, is inert in conducting heat.
Even with the tip, the idea of walking on fire still intimidates many.
