Distich and antiphonal singing: origination epic and heroic epic of the Miao people

Abstract

Miao, who mainly dwells in the southwest part of China, is a large ethnic group that maintains broad diversity in dialects and cultures. Miao’s dialects could be divided into three dialect areas with great differences in language and culture among each other, and this difference is also well manifested in their epics. This paper, based on the Miao epics that the author has collected during his fieldwork among Miao groups, employs the comparative method and makes a thorough introduction of the Miao epics according to their different dialect areas. This introduction comprises both the forms and the contents of the Miao epics. As to the forms, the epics from the eastern and western dialect areas are usually performed by one singer at a time with antithesis verses. As to the contents, the epics from eastern and central dialect areas are mainly creation epics while those from western dialect area are mainly heroic epics. Though there are no heroic epics in the eastern dialect area depicting wars, there are migration epics depicting the migrations caused by wars, especially those migrations along the river. By exploring and navigating Miao’s history, this paper maintains that the relation between the dialect areas, the epic forms, and contents might be caused by migration and wars. For instance, the Miao in the western dialect area had more wars and migrations, and thus they have more heroic epics. While in the eastern dialect area and central dialect area where they enjoyed a long-term peaceful life, their epics are mainly creation epics.

References

1. Xinfu Wu. Zhongguo Miaozu tongshi [A Comprehensive History of the Chinese Miao]. Guiyang, China, Guizhou Minzu Press, 1999, p. 89. (In Chinese lang.)
2. Shengting Long. Miaozu Dongbu Fangyan Qingge [Songs in Eastern Dialect Area]. Kunming, China, Yunnan Minzu Press, 2002, p. 15. (In Chinese lang.)
3. Gan Bao. Sou Shen Ji [A collection of myths]. Guiyang, China, Guizhou Minzu Press, 1991, p. 382. (In Chinese lang.)
4. Bingwen Long, Xiuxiang Long. Dut Ghot Dut Yos [Ancient Stories]. Changsha, Yuelu Press, 1990, p. 133 (In Miao lang.)
5. Xiaodong Wu. Xiangxi Miaozu Chiguzang Yishi Bianxi [The Song Sang in “Song Zhu” Ritual]. Beijing, Minzu Press, 2007, pp. 1-4. (In Chinese lang.)
6. Qigui Shi. Xiangxi Miaozu Shidi Diaocha Baogao [A Field Work Report on the Miao in Western Hunan]. Changsha, China, Hunan Renmin Press, 1986, p. 42. (In Chinese lang.)
7. Pan Dingzhi, Yang Peide, Zhang Zaimei. Miaozu guge [Miao Ancient Songs]. Guiyang, China, Guizhou Renmin Press, 1997, p. 67. (In Chinese lang.)
8. Yan Bao. Hxak Lul Hkak Ghot [Ancient Song of Miao People]. Guiyang, Guizhou Minzu Press, 1993, p. 709. (In Miao lang.)
9. Maxue Liang, Jindan. Miaozu Shishi [Miao Epic]. Beijing, China Folk Literature and Art Press, 1983, p. 122. (In Chinese lang.)
10. Yiwen Wu, Dongping Qin. Miaozu Guge Yu Miaozu Lishi Wenhua Yanjiu [Ancient Songs of the Miao people and Miao history and Culture]. Guiyang, China, Guizhou Minzu Press, 2000, p. 67. (In Chinese lang.)
11. Miao Qing. Xibu Minjian Wenxue Zuopingxuan [Selected works of Western Folk Literature]. Guiyang, Guizhou Minzu Press, 1998, p. 222. (In Chinese lang.)
12. Xiaodong Wu. Xibu Miaozu Shishi Bingfei Youguan Chiyou de Koubieshi [The Epics in Western Dialect Area is not About the History of Chi You]. In: Minzu Wenxue Yanjiu [Studies of Ethnic Literature]. 3, 2003, pp. 72-78. (In Chinese lang.)
13. Xiaodong Wu. Yaluwang Mingcheng Yu Xingcheng Shijian kao [A Study on the Name and Origin of Epic King yalu]. In: Yaluwang Wenlunji [The Collection of the Theses on Epic King Yalu]. Beijing, China, China Literature and History Press, 2014, p. 259.
14. Zhengjiang Yang. Yalu Wang [King Yalu]. Beijing, Zhonghua Book Company, 2011, pp. 234-235.
15. Na Tang. Guizhou Mashan Miaozu Yingxiong Shishi Yaluwang Kaocha Baogao [Report on Hero Epic King Yalu in Guizhou Mashan]. In: Minjian Wenhua Luntan [Forum on Folk Culture]. No. 2, 2010, pp. 88-98. (In Chinese lang.)