Customs of Dong Ethnic Group
In Guizhou, the Dong people live near the streams, total with about 750 households. They are leading an unique old life in the southweast of China, and keeping their unique Dong ethnic custioms.
Before 1949, the feudal patriarchal family was the basic social unit. Women with low social position and they were even forbidden to touch sacrificial objects by the tradition.
Accordng to the local customs, Dong girls have to lived separately on the upper floors before marriage, and never allow men to visit them. After marriage, women were given a little share of "female land" for private farming. The Dong people prctice monogamy and the childless couples allowed to adopt sons, and only men are entitled to inherit family property.
In Dong villages, the newlywed women have to continued to live with their parents. Only on holidays or on special occasions, they are allowed to go to their husbands' home. And after giving birth to first child that they can live with their husband permantently.
Dong people have different belief and worship. They believe in ancestor worship and revere many gods and spirits. And they have special reverence for a "saint mother" for whom altars and temples were constructed by the Dong people.
There are many colorful festivals are held in Dong villages each year, including Spring Festival, Worshipping Ox Festival, New Harvest Festival, Pure Brightness Festival and Dragon Boat Festival, etc.
Must-see Villages in Guizhou and Guangxi
Basha Zhaoxing Tang'An Xijiang Sanjiang Longsheng
Frequently asked questions in Guizhou
