Origin

The ancestors of the Bao'an people can be traced back to groups that migrated from the Central Plains and other regions to the northwest in ancient times. These groups gradually mixed with local ethnic groups and formed their own ethnic identity over time. They had a long history of interaction with the surrounding ethnic groups, which influenced their cultural development.

Development

During different historical periods, the Bao'an people had various exchanges with neighboring ethnic groups such as the Hui, Tibetan, and Han. In the Yuan and Ming dynasties, they were involved in trade and cultural exchanges along the ancient Silk Road. The spread of Islam during this time had a significant impact on their social and cultural life, leading to the construction of mosques and the development of Islamic - influenced art and architecture.

Modern Times

In modern times, with the implementation of China's ethnic minority policies, the living conditions of the Bao'an people have improved significantly. The government has invested in infrastructure construction, education, and healthcare in Bao'an - inhabited areas. The Bao'an people actively participate in the modernization process while striving to preserve their traditional culture. They have embraced modern technology and education, which has opened up new opportunities for their economic and social development.

Quantity

As of the 7th National Population Census in 2020, the population of the Bao'an Nationality in China is approximately 24,434, making them a relatively small ethnic minority group.

Distribution

The majority of the Bao'an people live in Jishishan Bao'an, Dongxiang and Salar Autonomous County in Gansu Province. This area is located in the Loess Plateau region, with a semi - arid climate. The terrain is mainly hilly and mountainous, which has influenced their agricultural and living patterns. There are also small Bao'an communities in Qinghai and Ningxia, where they have adapted to the local ecological environment and engaged in various economic activities.

Traditional Economy

Traditionally, the Bao'an economy was mainly based on agriculture and animal husbandry. They cultivated crops such as wheat, barley, and beans, and raised livestock including sheep, cattle, and horses. Handicrafts, especially the production of "Bao'an knives," were also an important part of their traditional economy. Bao'an knives are well - known for their sharpness and exquisite craftsmanship, and they were not only used for daily life but also traded with other ethnic groups.

Modern Economy

In modern times, the Bao'an economy has diversified. While agriculture and animal husbandry remain important, other industries such as fruit - growing (e.g., apples and pears), tourism, and small - scale industries have also developed. The development of tourism has brought new economic opportunities to the Bao'an - inhabited areas. Tourists are attracted by the unique Bao'an culture, traditional villages, and the production process of Bao'an knives. Many Bao'an communities have developed cultural tourism projects, offering services such as homestays, knife - making demonstrations, and traditional performances, which have increased the income of local residents.

Language and Script

The Bao'an language belongs to the Mongolian language group within the Altaic language family. In the past, the Bao'an language did not have a widely - used written form. In modern times, they use the Chinese characters for daily communication and writing. Efforts have been made to standardize and promote the Bao'an language, and some educational materials in the Bao'an language have been developed. Many Bao'an people are bilingual, speaking both Bao'an and Chinese, which helps them communicate with the outside world and integrate into the broader Chinese society. Education plays an important role in language preservation, with Bao'an - language courses being offered in some schools in Bao'an - inhabited areas.

Religious Beliefs

Islam has a profound influence on the Bao'an culture. Mosques are important cultural and religious centers in Bao'an villages. The Bao'an people follow the teachings of the Quran and perform Islamic rituals such as daily prayers, fasting during Ramadan, and making the pilgrimage to Mecca. Imams play a significant role in the community, conducting religious ceremonies, providing spiritual guidance, and educating the young. Islamic ethics and values are deeply ingrained in their daily life, influencing their social behavior, family relationships, and moral standards.

Clothing

Traditional Bao'an clothing reflects their Islamic beliefs and ethnic identity. Men usually wear a white skull - cap, a long - sleeved robe, and loose trousers. The robe is often made of dark - colored cloth and has a simple and elegant design. Women's clothing is more colorful and elaborate. They wear a long - sleeved blouse with a high collar, a long skirt, and a headscarf. The blouse and skirt are often decorated with intricate embroidery and patterns, which showcase their excellent sewing skills. Women also wear a variety of jewelry, such as silver earrings, necklaces, and bracelets, which add to their beauty and cultural charm. In modern times, while traditional clothing is still worn on special occasions and religious festivals, daily clothing has become more similar to that of the mainstream Chinese population in urban areas.

Literature

Bao'an literature includes both oral and written forms. Oral literature is rich and diverse, including folk tales, legends, songs, and proverbs. These oral works are passed down from generation to generation through storytelling and singing, conveying the history, values, and beliefs of the Bao'an people. Folk tales often feature heroes, gods, and moral lessons, reflecting the Bao'an people's imagination and their understanding of the world. Written literature has also emerged in recent years, with some Bao'an writers using Chinese to express their thoughts and feelings about life, culture, and society.

Transportation

In the past, due to the relatively remote and mountainous terrain of their habitats, the Bao'an people mainly relied on horses, mules, and donkeys for transportation. These animals were used to carry goods and people through the hills and valleys. In modern times, with the development of infrastructure in Bao'an - inhabited areas, roads have been built, and motorcycles, cars, and buses have become common means of transportation. However, in some remote mountainous areas, traditional means of transportation are still used, especially when traveling on narrow and steep paths.

Medicine

Traditional Bao'an medicine is based on a combination of local herbal knowledge and Islamic medical concepts. Bao'an healers have extensive knowledge of local herbs and plants and use them to treat various diseases. They also pay attention to the balance of the body's energy and the harmony between the body and the environment. Traditional medical practices include herbal remedies, massage, and cupping. In recent years, with the improvement of medical conditions in Bao'an - inhabited areas, traditional Bao'an medicine has been integrated with modern medical systems to provide more comprehensive medical services for the people. Modern medical facilities such as clinics and hospitals have been established, and medical staff are trained to combine traditional and modern medical knowledge.

Calendar

The Bao'an people follow the Islamic lunar calendar for religious activities and festivals. The Islamic calendar is based on the cycles of the moon and has 12 months in a year, with each month starting at the sighting of the new moon. They mark important religious events such as Ramadan, Eid al - Fitr, and Eid al - Adha according to this calendar. In modern times, they also use the Gregorian calendar for daily life and modern economic activities, but the Islamic calendar still plays an important role in their religious and cultural life, guiding their religious observances and family gatherings.

Music

Bao'an music is characterized by its unique rhythm and melody, often reflecting the life, emotions, and religious beliefs of the Bao'an people. Folk songs are an important form of Bao'an music, covering topics such as love, labor, and religion. Traditional Bao'an musical instruments include the "sanaqin" (a three - stringed lute), the "dhol" (a drum), and the "flute". During religious festivals, weddings, and other important celebrations, Bao'an people gather together to sing and play music, creating a joyful and solemn atmosphere. Music is also an important part of religious ceremonies, used to express reverence and devotion to Allah.

Dance

Bao'an dance is often performed during religious festivals and social gatherings. The dances are usually graceful and rhythmic, with movements that reflect Islamic cultural elements and daily life activities. For example, some dances imitate the actions of praying and bowing, showing the deep - rooted religious beliefs of the Bao'an people. The dancers often wear traditional clothing, adding to the visual appeal of the performances. Dance is not only a form of entertainment but also a way to pass on cultural traditions and strengthen community bonds.

Architecture

Traditional Bao'an architecture is designed to meet the needs of their religious and daily life. Bao'an villages are usually built on flat land or gentle slopes, with houses arranged in an orderly manner. Traditional houses are mainly earth - and - wood structures, with thick walls made of adobe bricks and a wooden frame. The roofs are usually sloped and covered with tiles or thatch to prevent rainwater leakage. Mosques are the most distinctive architectural features in Bao'an villages. They are built with a large prayer hall, a minaret, and a courtyard, and are decorated with Islamic - style patterns and calligraphy, reflecting the religious and cultural characteristics of the Bao'an people. In modern times, with the improvement of living standards, some Bao'an people have built brick - and - concrete houses, but they still retain some traditional architectural elements, such as the layout of the courtyard and the decoration of the exterior walls.

Arts and Crafts

Bao'an arts and crafts are renowned for their fine workmanship and unique designs. The most famous craft is the production of Bao'an knives. Bao'an knives are made through a complex process that includes forging, sharpening, and decorating. The blades are sharp and durable, and the handles are often decorated with beautiful patterns and materials such as silver and wood. In addition to knife - making, Bao'an people are also skilled in embroidery, wood carving, and silver - making. Embroidery is used to decorate clothing, curtains, and other household items, with patterns often featuring flowers, birds, and geometric shapes. Wood carving is used to decorate furniture, doors, and windows, with exquisite patterns depicting religious scenes and daily life. Silver - making is used to create jewelry such as earrings, necklaces, and bracelets, which are popular among Bao'an women.

Etiquette

Bao'an etiquette is based on Islamic ethics and values, emphasizing respect, hospitality, and politeness. When guests arrive at a Bao'an home, they are usually greeted warmly with a handshake and a smile. The host will offer tea, fruits, or other refreshments to the guests, and it is customary to accept these offerings as a sign of respect. During meals, guests are often served the best food, and it is polite to praise the host's cooking. The Bao'an people also place great importance on helping others, especially the poor, the elderly, and the disabled. In social interactions, it is important to be honest, sincere, and show genuine concern for others.

Marriage Customs

Bao'an marriage customs are a combination of traditional Islamic practices and local customs. Marriages are usually arranged by the families of the bride and groom, but the consent of the couple is also important. The engagement ceremony is an important step, during which the groom's family presents gifts such as jewelry, clothing, and tea to the bride's family as a sign of respect and goodwill. The wedding ceremony is a grand event that combines religious and civil elements. The bride and groom wear traditional wedding attire, and there are a series of ceremonies, such as the reading of the Quran, the exchange of vows, and the blessing of the imam. After the wedding, there is usually a wedding reception to celebrate the union of the two families, with traditional music and dance performances.

Festivals

The Bao'an people celebrate a variety of festivals throughout the year, including religious festivals and some national festivals. The major religious festivals include Ramadan, Eid al - Fitr, and Eid al - Adha. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, abstaining from food, drink, and other worldly pleasures. Eid al - Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is a time for family reunions, feasting, and giving gifts. Eid al - Adha is the Festival of Sacrifice, during which Muslims sacrifice an animal to commemorate the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. The Spring Festival and the National Day are also celebrated by the Bao'an people following the general customs of the Chinese nation, which helps strengthen their sense of national identity and unity.

Diet

Bao'an cuisine is influenced by Islamic dietary laws and local agricultural products. Staple foods include wheat, barley, and rice, which are used to make various dishes such as noodles, steamed buns, and rice. Meat is an important part of their diet, but only halal meat (meat from animals that have been slaughtered according to Islamic rules) is allowed. Common meats include lamb, beef, and chicken. They also eat a variety of vegetables, fruits, and dairy products. Tea is an important beverage and is often served during meals and social gatherings. During festivals and special occasions, they prepare traditional dishes such as "hand - pulled noodles with lamb soup" and "roast lamb" to share with family and friends.

Funeral Customs

Bao'an funeral customs are based on Islamic teachings. When a person dies, the body is washed and wrapped in a white shroud according to Islamic rituals. The funeral prayer is then performed by the imam and the community in a mosque or an open space. The body is buried in a grave facing Mecca. During the funeral period, family and friends gather to pay their respects and offer condolences. After the funeral, there is a period of mourning, during which the family avoids certain activities and follows specific customs to show respect for the deceased, such as not wearing colorful clothes and not participating in joyful events.