The Hani in Yuanjiang is one of the oldest ethnic groups in China and they originate from the Di and Qiang peoples in ancient times. They were called Sou in the Qin and Han dynasties, Wuman in the Wei and Jin dynasties, Heman in the Tang and Song dynasties, Wo’man in the Yuan Dynastry, Woni in the Ming Dynastry, and Wonizu in the Qing Dynastry. The Hani in Yuanjiang totals 76,664 people, taking up 40.4% of the total population of the county. They mainly live in mountainous areas in Nanuo, Yangjie, Yinyuan, Mili, and Yangchajie townships that are located between 1,000 and 2,000 meters in elevation of Ailao Mountains. Their ancestors had been living in this area several thousand years ago. It is said that their ancestors used to be nomads in North China and then gradually moved southward until they reached Yunnan. Another account says that they lived a nomadic life in the Qingzang Plateau and moved southward and reached Dadu River and Jinsha River areas between the 3rd and the 6th centuries. In the Wei and Jin periods, they were divided into two branches to move further south. One branch reached Xinping, Yuanjiang, Jianshui, Shiping, Mengzi, Honghe, Yuanyang, Pu’er, Jiangcheng, and Xishuangbanna. The Hani in Yuanjiang originally has no written language and their spoken language is a sub-branch of the Yi language of the Tibetan-Burmese system of the Sino-Tibetan family. The Hani in Yuanjiang mainly live in mountainous areas where the climate is favorable with sufficient rainfalls and fertile soils suitable for farming. The terrace farming landscape created by the Hani is a world wonder. The major holidays of the Hani include the Hani New Year, the Yellow Rice Festival, the Kuzhazha Festival, and the New Rice Festival. During their holidays, all households kill pigs and chickens and making cakes out of sticky rice, preparing delicious banquets. All members wear colorful festive costumes to visit relatives and friends. Market fairs are also organized during the celebrations.
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