· Origin
The ancestors of the De'ang people can be traced back to the ancient "Pu" tribes in the southwest of China. These tribes lived in the mountainous regions and engaged in primitive agriculture and hunting activities. Over time, they gradually formed their own ethnic identity, with a deep understanding of the local ecological system and natural resources.

· Development
In different historical periods, the De'ang people had various interactions with neighboring ethnic groups such as the Dai, Jingpo, and Han. During the Tang and Song dynasties, they were influenced by the cultural and economic exchanges in the Southwest border areas. They began to engage in more extensive trade activities, exchanging local products like tea with other ethnic groups. The introduction of Buddhism from the Dai people also had a profound impact on their social and cultural life, leading to the construction of Buddhist temples and the spread of Buddhist beliefs.

· Modern Times
In modern times, with the implementation of China's ethnic minority policies, the living conditions of the De'ang people have improved significantly. The government has invested in infrastructure construction, education, and healthcare in De'ang - inhabited areas. The De'ang 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 De'ang Nationality in China is approximately 22,354, making them a relatively small ethnic minority group.

· Distribution
The majority of the De'ang people live in Dehong Dai - Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan Province. Mangshi, Lianghe, and Longchuan counties are the main areas of their residence. These areas are characterized by mountainous and semi - mountainous terrain, with a warm and humid climate, which is suitable for tea - growing and other agricultural activities. There are also small De'ang communities in other parts of Yunnan, where they have adapted to the local ecological environment and engaged in various economic activities.

· Traditional Economy
Traditionally, the De'ang economy was mainly based on agriculture, especially tea - growing. The De'ang people are known as the "ancient tea - growers" and have a long history of tea cultivation and processing. They grow various types of tea, such as Pu'er tea, and have unique tea - making techniques. In addition to tea, they also cultivated crops like rice, maize, and beans. Hunting and gathering were also important supplementary economic activities in the past, providing them with additional food sources and materials for daily life.

· Modern Economy
In modern times, the De'ang economy has diversified. While tea - growing remains an important economic pillar, other industries such as fruit - growing (e.g., citrus fruits), livestock breeding (raising cattle, pigs, and chickens), and handicrafts have also developed. The development of tourism has brought new economic opportunities to the De'ang - inhabited areas. Tourists are attracted by the unique De'ang culture, traditional villages, and beautiful natural scenery. Many De'ang communities have developed cultural tourism projects, offering services such as homestays, traditional performances, and tea - tasting experiences, which have increased the income of local residents.

· Language and Script
The De'ang language belongs to the Mon - Khmer branch of the Austro - Asiatic language family. It has several dialects due to geographical dispersion. In the past, the De'ang language did not have a widely - used written form. In modern times, efforts have been made to develop a writing system based on the Latin alphabet to promote the use and preservation of the De'ang language. Many De'ang people are bilingual, speaking both De'ang 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 De'ang - language courses being offered in some schools in De'ang - inhabited areas.

· Religious Beliefs
Theravada Buddhism has a profound influence on the De'ang culture. Buddhist temples are important cultural and religious centers in De'ang villages. The De'ang people believe in the teachings of Buddha and follow Buddhist rituals and customs. Monks play a significant role in the community, conducting religious ceremonies, providing spiritual guidance, and educating the young. In addition to Buddhism, some De'ang people also retain elements of primitive ancestor worship and nature worship. They believe in the existence of spirits in nature and perform rituals to pray for good harvests, health, and peace.

· Clothing
Traditional De'ang clothing is colorful and distinctive, reflecting their ethnic identity and cultural traditions. Men usually wear a short - sleeved shirt made of dark - colored cloth, paired with loose trousers. They often wear a headband made of red or black cloth. Women's clothing is more elaborate. They wear a long - sleeved blouse with colorful patterns, a long skirt, and an apron. The blouse and skirt are often decorated with intricate embroidery, silver ornaments, and colorful beads. Women also wear a variety of jewelry, such as necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, which add to their beauty and cultural charm. In modern times, while traditional clothing is still worn on special occasions, daily clothing has become more similar to that of the mainstream Chinese population in urban areas.

· Literature
De'ang 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 De'ang people. Folk tales often feature animals, gods, and heroes, reflecting the De'ang people's imagination and their understanding of the world. Written literature has also emerged in recent years, with some De'ang writers using Chinese or the De'ang language to express their thoughts and feelings about life, culture, and society.

· Transportation
In the past, due to the mountainous terrain of their habitats, the De'ang people mainly relied on horses, mules, and human labor for transportation. Horses and mules were used to carry goods and people through the mountains and valleys. In modern times, with the development of infrastructure in De'ang - 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 De'ang medicine is based on a deep understanding of the local natural environment and the properties of plants and animals. De'ang 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 bone - setting. In recent years, with the improvement of medical conditions in De'ang - inhabited areas, traditional De'ang 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 De'ang people have their own traditional way of time - keeping, which is closely related to agricultural activities and natural phenomena. They mark the seasons according to the growth of crops, the blooming and withering of plants, and the migration of birds. For example, they know the beginning of the tea - picking season by observing the growth of tea leaves. In modern times, they also use the Gregorian calendar for daily life and modern economic activities, but traditional time - keeping methods still play an important role in their cultural and agricultural life, guiding their farming schedules and traditional festivals.

· Music
De'ang music is characterized by its simple and melodious tunes, often reflecting the life, emotions, and labor of the De'ang people. Folk songs are an important form of De'ang music, covering topics such as love, tea - growing, and nature. Traditional De'ang musical instruments include the "gong" (a type of drum), the "xylophone", and the "flute". During festivals, weddings, and other important celebrations, De'ang people gather together to sing and play music, creating a joyful and lively atmosphere. Music is also an important part of religious ceremonies, used to express reverence and devotion.

· Dance
De'ang dance is often performed during festivals and social gatherings. The dances are usually energetic and expressive, with movements that imitate the actions of tea - picking, farming, and daily life activities. For example, the "tea - picking dance" shows the skills and joy of tea - pickers. 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 De'ang architecture is designed to adapt to the mountainous and semi - mountainous environment. De'ang villages are usually built on hillsides or in valleys, with houses arranged in a clustered pattern. Traditional houses are mainly wooden structures, with a frame made of large logs and walls made of bamboo or wooden planks. The roofs are usually sloped and covered with thatch or tiles to prevent rainwater leakage. In modern times, with the improvement of living standards, some De'ang 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
De'ang arts and crafts are renowned for their fine workmanship and unique designs. Traditional De'ang crafts include bamboo weaving, wood carving, and silver - making. Bamboo weaving is used to create various daily utensils such as baskets, mats, and fans, with patterns often inspired by nature and ethnic symbols. Wood carving is used to decorate buildings, furniture, and religious objects, with exquisite patterns depicting animals, flowers, and geometric shapes. Silver - making is a highly - skilled craft, and De'ang women are known for their beautiful silver jewelry, such as necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, which are often decorated with intricate patterns and precious stones.

· Etiquette
De'ang etiquette is based on respect, hospitality, and politeness. When guests arrive at a De'ang home, they are usually greeted warmly with a smile and a bow. 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 De'ang people also place great importance on helping others, especially the elderly, the disabled, and those in need. In social interactions, it is important to be honest, sincere, and show genuine concern for others.

· Marriage Customs
De'ang marriage customs are a combination of traditional practices and modern influences. Marriages are usually based on love and mutual consent, but family approval is also important. The engagement ceremony is an important step, during which the groom's family presents gifts such as tea, wine, and cloth 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 exchange of vows, the blessing of the elders, and the sharing of a cup of wine. 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 De'ang people celebrate a variety of festivals throughout the year, including traditional festivals and some national festivals. The "Water - Splashing Festival" is an important traditional festival, usually celebrated in April. During this festival, people splash water on each other to wash away the bad luck of the past year and pray for good fortune in the new year. There are also various activities such as dragon - boat races, traditional performances, and feasts. The Spring Festival and the National Day are also celebrated by the De'ang people following the general customs of the Chinese nation, which helps strengthen their sense of national identity and unity.

· Diet
De'ang cuisine is a reflection of their traditional agricultural activities and the local natural environment. Staple foods include rice and maize, which are the main sources of energy. Tea is an important beverage and is deeply ingrained in De'ang culture. They not only drink tea but also use tea in cooking, making dishes such as tea - flavored soup and tea - smoked meat. In addition, they eat a variety of vegetables, fruits, and meat, such as pork, beef, and chicken. During festivals and special occasions, they prepare traditional dishes such as "bamboo - tube rice" and "stewed chicken with herbs" to share with family and friends.

Funeral Customs
De'ang funeral customs are based on their religious beliefs and traditional practices. When a person dies, the family and relatives will hold a series of ceremonies to mourn the deceased. The body is usually placed in a coffin and displayed in a special place for a period of time. There are religious rituals performed by monks (if the deceased was a Buddhist) to pray for the soul of the deceased. During the funeral period, family and friends gather to pay their respects and offer condolences. After the funeral, there may be 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.