Silver baby gifts

[tresha]

Miao people are from one of the largest ethnic minorities in southwest China usually in mountainous communities. The Miao people are known for their elaborate embroidery and exquisite work with silver.

The Miao culture is extremely focused on Silver. For example when a baby is born silver is always given as gifts and silver bracelets and anklets are put on soon after the birth. This is to prevent evil spirits from harming the child. Also the baby can never be bathed with our wearing silver.

A young Miao girl will keep receiving silver gifts up until her marriage. For more than 400 years it has been a tradition and custom to decorate you self from head to toe in silver. A complete set of silver jewellery can weigh around 15 kg and can take more than one hour for a girl to put the entire set on.