Origin

The ancestors of the She people are believed to have had a long - term presence in the southeastern regions of China. Historical records and archaeological findings suggest that they have been living in areas such as Fujian and Zhejiang since ancient times. Over the centuries, through interactions with neighboring ethnic groups and adaptation to the local environment, they gradually formed their own ethnic identity.

Development

Historically, the She people mainly engaged in agriculture, cultivating rice, wheat, and sweet potatoes in the hilly and mountainous areas. They also practiced sericulture, raising silkworms to produce silk, which was an important economic activity. The She society had a relatively close - knit community structure, with the village as the basic unit. Family and clan ties played a crucial role in social organization, and they developed a set of social norms and customs that were passed down through generations via oral traditions.

Modern Times

In modern times, with the development of China's economy and increased interaction with the outside world, the She people have experienced significant changes. The government has implemented various policies to promote economic development in She - inhabited areas, improving infrastructure such as roads, schools, and medical facilities. Education has been greatly improved, leading to a higher literacy rate among the She people. At the same time, efforts have been made to preserve and promote She culture, including language, traditional music, dance, and crafts.

Quantity

As of the 7th National Population Census in 2020, the She population in China is approximately 708,651, making them one of the smaller but culturally distinctive ethnic minorities in the country.

Distribution

The majority of the She people live in Fujian Province, especially in Ningde City, which is known as the "hometown of the She people." Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Guangdong, and Anhui provinces also have significant She communities. These areas are characterized by hilly and mountainous terrain, with abundant natural resources such as forests and water sources. A small number of She people have migrated to other parts of China for work or other reasons, contributing to cultural exchange and integration.

Traditionally, the She economy was based on agriculture and sericulture. They cultivated a variety of crops in the hilly terrain, adapting to the local climate and soil conditions. Sericulture was an important industry, providing silk for both domestic use and trade. The She people also had a tradition of handicrafts, such as weaving and embroidery, which were used to make clothing and household items.

In modern times, the She economy has diversified. Agriculture remains an important sector, but there has been an increase in the cultivation of cash crops such as tea, fruits, and vegetables. Livestock farming, including the raising of pigs, chickens, and ducks, has also become more common. Tourism has emerged as a growing industry in She - inhabited areas, especially in Fujian. The unique She culture, beautiful natural landscapes, and traditional festivals attract a large number of tourists. Many She people are involved in the tourism industry, offering services such as homestays, guiding, and cultural performances. Handicrafts, including She - style embroidery and silver ornaments, are also important sources of income for some She artisans.

Language and Script

The She language belongs to the She branch of the Sino - Tibetan language family. It has several dialects, which vary from region to region. In the past, the She people did not have a widely - used written script. In modern times, the Chinese characters are commonly used for writing, and efforts have been made to standardize and promote the use of the She language in education and cultural activities.

Religious Beliefs

The She people have a complex religious belief system. Ancestor worship is the core of their religious life, and they hold regular rituals to honor their ancestors and seek their protection. Some She people also embrace Taoism and Buddhism, which were introduced to the area over the centuries. There are also a small number of She people who follow Christianity. Religious activities are often closely related to festivals and important life events, providing spiritual support and a sense of community for the She people.

Clothing

Traditional She clothing is colorful and distinctive. Women's clothing usually consists of a short - sleeved blouse and a long skirt. The blouse is often decorated with colorful embroidery, featuring patterns of flowers, birds, and geometric shapes. Women also wear a variety of accessories such as silver earrings, necklaces, and bracelets, which are often intricately designed and made by She artisans. Men's clothing is relatively simple, typically consisting of a short - sleeved shirt and long trousers, often made of blue or black cloth. In some special occasions, men may wear traditional hats made of bamboo or straw.

Literature

She literature has a rich oral tradition, including folk tales, epics, proverbs, and songs. Folk tales are passed down from generation to generation through oral storytelling, often featuring animals as characters and conveying moral lessons. Epics are long narrative poems that recount the heroic deeds of ancestors or legendary figures, reflecting the history and values of the She people. Proverbs are an important part of She wisdom, providing concise and insightful expressions of life experiences and social norms. She songs cover a wide range of topics, such as love, labor, and nature, and are often sung during festivals, social gatherings, and daily work.

Transportation

In the past, due to the hilly and mountainous terrain of their habitats, the She people mainly relied on walking for transportation. In some areas, they used horses or mules to carry heavy loads. In modern times, with the development of infrastructure, motorcycles, cars, and buses have become common means of transportation in She - inhabited areas. However, in some remote villages, walking is still an important way of getting around, especially for accessing remote fields and forests.

Medicine

Traditional She medicine has a long history and is based on the use of local herbs and plants. She healers, known as "medicine men" or "medicine women," have extensive knowledge of the medicinal properties of various plants and use them to treat a wide range of diseases. Traditional She medicine also emphasizes the balance between the body, mind, and the environment, and the use of natural remedies is often accompanied by rituals and prayers. In recent years, there has been growing interest in integrating traditional She medicine with modern healthcare systems to provide more comprehensive medical services for the She people.

Calendar

The She people have their own traditional calendar, which is closely related to agricultural activities and natural phenomena. The calendar is used to determine the best times for planting, harvesting, and other agricultural tasks. It also marks important cultural events and festivals, helping the She people to maintain their cultural traditions and sense of time. The traditional calendar is based on observations of the sun, moon, and stars, as well as the growth cycles of plants and the behavior of animals.

Music

She music is characterized by its melodious tunes and unique vocal styles. Folk songs are an important form of She music, covering a wide range of topics such as love, labor, and nature. Traditional She musical instruments include the "lusheng" (a reed - pipe wind instrument), "erhu" (a two - stringed bowed instrument), and various types of drums. She music often expresses the people's emotions and reflects their life experiences and cultural values. During festivals and celebrations, She people gather together to sing and play music, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.

Dance

She dance is energetic and expressive, with movements that are closely related to daily life and work. Traditional She dances include the "Phoenix Dance," which imitates the graceful movements of the phoenix, symbolizing good luck and happiness. Other dances depict scenes from farming, hunting, and fishing, showcasing the traditional lifestyle of the She people. Dancers wear colorful costumes and perform with enthusiasm, bringing people together in a joyful and harmonious way.

Architecture

In the past, the She people lived in wooden houses in the hilly and mountainous areas. These houses were usually built on slopes, taking advantage of the terrain for stability and drainage. The houses were divided into several rooms for different purposes, such as living, sleeping, and storing goods. The interior was simply furnished, with fireplaces for cooking and heating. In modern times, with the improvement of living standards, many She people have moved into brick - and - concrete houses, but some traditional architectural elements are still preserved in some villages as a symbol of cultural heritage.

Landscape

The She - inhabited areas in Fujian, Zhejiang, and other provinces are characterized by beautiful natural scenery, including rolling hills, lush forests, and clear rivers. These areas are home to a wide range of plant and animal species, many of which are endemic to the region. The beautiful natural scenery has inspired She artists and poets for generations, and it also serves as an important ecological resource for the development of tourism and other industries.

Arts and Crafts

She arts and crafts are renowned for their fine workmanship and unique designs. Traditional She crafts include embroidery, silver - making, and bamboo weaving. She embroidery is often used to decorate clothing, hats, and bags, featuring intricate patterns and bright colors. Silver - making products include earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and hairpins, which are known for their exquisite craftsmanship and unique styles. Bamboo weaving products include baskets, mats, and fans, which are practical and decorative.

Etiquette

She etiquette is based on hospitality, respect, and politeness. When guests arrive at a She home, they are usually greeted warmly with a smile and a handshake. The host will offer tea or wine 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 She people also place great importance on greetings, and young people should show proper respect to elders by using formal titles and polite language.

Marriage Customs

She marriage customs vary slightly from region to region but generally involve several steps. Marriages are often 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 to the bride's family. The wedding ceremony is a grand event that includes various traditional rituals, such as the bride and groom drinking from the same cup to symbolize their unity, and the exchange of gifts between the two families. The wedding feast is a time for family and friends to gather and celebrate, with music, dancing, and delicious food.

Festivals

The She people celebrate many important festivals throughout the year. The "March Third Festival" is one of the most significant, which is held on the third day of the third lunar month. During the festival, people gather together to sing, dance, and enjoy traditional She food. They also offer sacrifices to the gods and ancestors, praying for good luck and a bumper harvest. Other festivals include the "Spring Festival," the "Dragon Boat Festival," and the "Mid - Autumn Festival," which are celebrated in a similar way to the Han Chinese but with some unique She customs and traditions.

Diet

She cuisine is characterized by its fresh ingredients and unique flavors. Staple foods include rice, wheat, and sweet potatoes. Common dishes include steamed fish, stir - fried vegetables, and sour - and - spicy soups. The She people have a tradition of using local herbs and spices to flavor their food, giving it a distinct taste. They also like to drink homemade wine, especially during festivals and social gatherings.

Funeral Customs

She funeral customs are based on respect for the deceased and the belief in an afterlife. When a person dies, the family will hold a series of funeral rituals, including washing the body, dressing it in new clothes, and placing it in a coffin. Religious leaders or elders will perform prayers and rituals to guide the soul of the deceased to the afterlife. Family and friends will gather to pay their respects and offer condolences, and a funeral feast is held to honor the memory of the deceased. The mourning period varies depending on the relationship with the deceased, and relatives and friends will continue to offer support to the bereaved family during this time.