Origin

The ancestors of the Sala people can be traced back to the Central Asian region. According to historical records and oral traditions, a group of people migrated from the Samarkand area (in present - day Uzbekistan) to China during the Yuan Dynasty. Over time, through continuous integration with local ethnic groups such as the Han, Tibetan, and Hui, they gradually formed the modern - day Sala ethnic group.

Development

Historically, the Sala people were mainly engaged in agriculture and animal husbandry. In the fertile valleys of the Yellow River and its tributaries, they cultivated crops such as wheat, barley, and corn. Animal husbandry played an important supplementary role, with the raising of livestock like sheep, cattle, and horses for food, transportation, and agricultural work. Additionally, they were skilled in handicrafts, especially in the production of leather goods, pottery, and metalware. The Sala people had frequent trade interactions with neighboring ethnic groups, which promoted economic development and cultural exchanges.

Modern Times

In modern times, with the rapid development of the economy and society, the Sala - inhabited areas have undergone significant changes. The government has implemented a series of policies to support economic development, improve infrastructure, and promote education. The Sala people have actively participated in the modernization process while striving to preserve and promote their traditional culture. Tourism has gradually become an emerging industry, attracting visitors to experience the unique Sala culture and the beautiful natural scenery in their homeland.

Quantity

As of the 7th National Population Census in 2020, the Sala population in China is approximately 163,172, making them one of the relatively smaller ethnic minorities in the country.

Distribution

The majority of the Sala people live in the river valleys and mountainous areas of Gansu Province. These areas have a temperate continental climate, which is suitable for agriculture and animal husbandry. A small number of Sala people have migrated to other parts of China for work, study, or cultural exchange, contributing to the spread of Sala culture.

Traditional Economy

Traditionally, the Sala economy was based on agriculture and animal husbandry. Agriculture mainly focused on growing grains such as wheat and barley. They had developed sophisticated farming techniques adapted to the local climate and soil conditions. Animal husbandry was an important part of their livelihood, with sheep being the most commonly raised livestock. The Sala people also engaged in handicrafts, with leather - making being a well - known craft. They produced high - quality leather shoes, saddles, and other leather goods, which were not only for local use but also traded with neighboring ethnic groups.

Modern Economy

In modern times, the Sala economy has diversified. Agriculture remains an important sector, but there has been an increase in the cultivation of cash crops such as oilseed rape, fruits, and vegetables. Animal husbandry has also modernized, with improved breeding techniques and the development of large - scale livestock farming in some areas. Industry in Sala - inhabited areas has gradually grown, including food processing, leather - related manufacturing, and handicraft production. Tourism has emerged as a new economic growth point, providing opportunities for employment and income generation for the Sala people.

Language and Script

The Sala language belongs to the Altaic language family. It has its own unique vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, with some influences from neighboring languages such as Chinese and Tibetan. In the past, the Sala people did not have a widely - used written script. In modern times, they use the Chinese characters for communication and education. Efforts are being made to standardize the Sala written language and develop educational materials to promote the use and preservation of the Sala language.

Religious Beliefs

Islam is the dominant religion among the Sala people, and Sunni Islam has a profound influence on their daily life, moral values, and cultural traditions. There are many mosques in Sala - inhabited areas, which serve as centers for religious activities, education, and social gatherings. The Sala people follow the five pillars of Islam, including prayer, fasting during Ramadan, giving alms, making the pilgrimage to Mecca, and bearing witness to the oneness of God. Religious festivals such as Eid al - Fitr and Eid al - Adha are celebrated with great enthusiasm, involving special prayers, feasts, and family gatherings.

Clothing

Traditional Sala clothing reflects their religious beliefs and cultural identity. Men usually wear white or black round - collared long - sleeved shirts, paired with loose - fitting trousers and a white or black skullcap. In cold weather, they may wear a long - overcoat. Women's clothing is more colorful and decorative. They wear long - sleeved blouses with intricate embroidery on the cuffs, collars, and hems, paired with long skirts. Women also cover their heads with a headscarf, which is often decorated with patterns or lace. In some special occasions, they may also wear jewelry such as silver earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.

Literature

Sala literature has a rich oral tradition, including folk tales, legends, and proverbs. Folk tales often convey moral lessons and cultural wisdom, passed down from generation to generation through storytelling. The legends reflect the history, beliefs, and values of the Sala people, often featuring heroes, gods, and magical events. In recent years, there has been an increasing effort to collect, translate, and publish Sala literature to make it more accessible to a wider audience. Some Sala writers have also started to write in Chinese, introducing Sala culture to a broader readership.

Transportation

In the past, due to the geographical characteristics of their habitat, the Sala people mainly relied on walking and horses for transportation in the mountainous and valley areas. These means of transportation were well - adapted to the local environment and could navigate through difficult terrains. In some areas with rivers, boats were used for transportation. In modern times, with the development of infrastructure, motorcycles, cars, and buses have become common means of transportation in Sala - inhabited areas. However, in some remote villages, traditional means of transportation are still used, especially for short - distance travel and accessing areas with poor road conditions.

Medicine

Traditional Sala medicine has a long history and is influenced by traditional Chinese medicine and local folk medicine. Sala healers have extensive knowledge of local herbs and plants and use them to treat a wide range of diseases. They also pay attention to the balance of the body's energy and the harmony between the body and the environment. Traditional Sala medical practices include herbal remedies, massage, and some simple acupuncture - like techniques. In recent years, with the improvement of medical conditions in Sala - inhabited areas, traditional Sala medicine has been integrated with modern medical systems to provide more comprehensive medical services for the people.

Calendar

The Sala people mainly use the solar calendar for daily life and modern economic activities, as it is more widely used in the global context. However, they also have some traditional time - keeping methods related to agricultural activities and religious festivals. For example, they may mark the beginning and end of the farming season according to natural phenomena such as the blooming of flowers and the migration of birds.

Music

Sala music is characterized by its unique melodies and rhythms, often reflecting religious beliefs, daily life, and the natural environment of the Sala people. Folk songs are an important form of Sala music, covering topics such as love, labor, and the beauty of nature. Traditional Sala musical instruments include the "sana (a kind of stringed instrument)", "daf (a frame drum)", and various types of flutes. During religious festivals, weddings, and other important celebrations, Sala people gather together to sing and play music, creating a joyful and lively atmosphere.

Dance

Sala dance is often performed during festivals, weddings, and social gatherings. The dances are usually energetic and expressive, with movements that are closely related to religious rituals, agricultural activities, and daily life. For example, the "Harvest Dance" imitates the movements of harvesting crops, showing the Sala people's close relationship with agriculture. The "Wedding Dance" is performed during wedding ceremonies, expressing joy and blessings. The dancers often wear traditional clothing, adding to the visual appeal of the performances.

Architecture

Traditional Sala architecture is adapted to the local climate and geographical conditions. In the valleys, Sala houses are often built with earth and wood, with a flat roof in some areas and a sloping roof in others to facilitate drainage of rainwater. The houses usually have a central courtyard, which can be used for daily activities, drying crops, and enjoying the natural scenery. Some Sala houses also have a small tower - like structure on the roof, which is believed to have religious significance. In modern times, with the influence of modern architecture, some new buildings have been constructed in Sala - inhabited areas, but traditional architectural elements are still preserved in many places.

Arts and Crafts

Sala arts and crafts are renowned for their fine workmanship and unique designs. Traditional Sala crafts include embroidery, leather - making, and wood - carving. Sala embroidery is often used to decorate clothing, bedding, and wall hangings, with intricate patterns and bright colors. Leather - making is a well - developed craft, with Sala artisans producing high - quality leather shoes, saddles, and bags. Wood - carving is used to create sculptures and decorative elements for buildings, with designs often featuring religious symbols, flowers, and animals.

Etiquette

Sala etiquette is based on respect, hospitality, and politeness, which are deeply influenced by Islamic teachings. When guests arrive at a Sala home, they are usually greeted warmly with a handshake and a smile. The host will offer tea 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 hospitality. The Sala people also place great importance on greetings, and young people should show proper respect to elders by using formal titles and polite language. In social interactions, it is important to maintain a harmonious and friendly atmosphere.

Marriage Customs

Sala marriage customs are strictly regulated by Islamic law and traditional customs. Marriages are usually arranged by the families of the bride and groom, with the consent of both parties. The engagement ceremony is an important step, during which the groom's family presents gifts to the bride's family, including jewelry, clothing, and livestock. The wedding ceremony is a grand event that follows Islamic rituals. The bride and groom wear traditional clothing, and there are a series of religious ceremonies, such as the recitation of the Quran, the exchange of vows, and the blessing of the imam. After the wedding, there is usually a wedding feast to celebrate the union of the two families.

Festivals

The Sala people celebrate a variety of festivals throughout the year, mainly religious festivals such as Eid al - Fitr and Eid al - Adha. During Eid al - Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, Sala people gather at the mosque for special prayers in the morning. Then, they visit relatives and friends, exchange gifts, and share festive meals. Eid al - Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, is another important religious festival. Sala people sacrifice livestock such as sheep or cattle and distribute the meat to the poor, relatives, and friends. In addition to religious festivals, the Sala people also celebrate some traditional festivals related to agriculture, such as the Spring Ploughing Festival, which marks the beginning of the farming season.

Diet

Sala cuisine is a delicious blend of local agricultural products and traditional cooking methods influenced by Islamic dietary laws. Staple foods include wheat - based products such as steamed buns, noodles, and pastries. Meat, especially lamb and beef, is an important part of the Sala diet, as Islamic law permits the consumption of these meats. Common dishes include "stewed lamb with potatoes," "grilled lamb skewers," and "lamb noodles." The Sala people also like to eat dairy products such as yogurt and cheese. Tea is an important beverage and is often served to guests as a sign of hospitality.

Funeral Customs

Sala 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 held at the mosque or a designated place, led by an imam. After the prayer, the body is buried in a cemetery facing Mecca. Family and friends gather to pay their respects and offer condolences to the bereaved family. During the mourning period, special prayers are held regularly to comfort the family and pray for the well - being of the deceased.