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Miao Tradition: Nighttime Moves to Escape Landlords

1/25/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Miao ethnic group in Yunnan province, China, practices a tradition called "moving house at night".
Young men smear soot on their faces, dance, and fire a hunting rifle at sunrise to mark the end of the relocation.
Historically, the practice helped Miao villagers evade landlords seeking rent or debt repayment.
The custom is observed in a township of Xiangyun county, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture.

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Story summary

The Miao ethnic group in Yunnan province, China, practices a tradition called "moving house at night".
Young men smear soot on their faces, dance, and fire a hunting rifle at sunrise to mark the end of the relocation.
Historically, the practice helped Miao villagers evade landlords seeking rent or debt repayment.
The custom is observed in a township of Xiangyun county, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture.