Mien American
Encyclopedia
Iu Mien Americans are primarily Indochinese refugees that may have been born in or have become naturalized citizens of the United States of America. This group arrived in between the late 1970s to the early 1990s as the last wave of refugees post-Vietnam War
.
from Southern China
during the late 1800s. Reasons for this migration remain controversial, varying from political to socio-economic ventures. Many Mien American elders fought alongside the United States CIA during the "Secret War" of Laos
in an effort to block weapon trails to Vietnam
. When the American operation pulled out in 1975, hundreds of families were forced to seek refuge in the neighboring country of Thailand
. Hundreds died during this journey on foot through the deep jungles of Southeast Asia
. In the next few years, thousands settled in Thailand refugee camps. Through programs from the United Nations
, roughly 60,000 were sponsored to western countries such as the United States.
settled along the western coast of the U.S. in states of Washington, Oregon
and California
. Approximately 10,000 settled in other parts of the country, in states of Alabama
, Texas
, Tennessee
, Michigan
, Illinois
and other states. This ethnicity group has yet to be included in the United States Census
and consequently, current population numbers have been skewed anywhere from 50,000 to 150,000. Since resettlement in America, historical contacts have been and continue to be made, between Mien Americans and Mien in China and Vietnam. Many Mien American relatives still remain in the countries of Laos and Thailand.
As a people from ancient, isolated farming societies, first Mien American generations struggled through obstacles of language, acculturation and more as they resettled in bustling, modern cities. As younger generations Americanize, they face generational gaps, loss of language, loss of culture, lack of identity and more. Community-based organizations formed among communities in Washington, Oregon and California to provide direct services, catering to resettlement issues.
They celebrated their 31st anniversary in Sacramento, California
, on July 7, 2007. Achievement awards were given to Mien American military servicemembers, doctors, educators, scholars, leaders, and others.
Iu-Mienh people have settled all across continents of the world. There is Iu-Mien who settled in the United States
, Australia
, Belgium
, Burma, Canada
, Denmark
, France
, Laos
, Myanmar
, New Zealand
, Switzerland
, Thailand
, and Viet Nam after or during the "Secret War."
There is a large population of Mien Americans that have settled in the city of Sacramento.
In California: Sacramento, Oakland, Richmond, San Jose, Merced, Visalia, Stockton, Fresno, Yuba City, Oroville, Gridley, and Redding.
In Oregon, most of the Mien population is in Portland.
In Washington, most of the Mien population is in Seattle.
In Laos of 1968, General Chow Mai passed away fighting along side the United States.
General Chow Lah Saechao resides in France, he passed in 2008.
General Vern Chien Saechao resided in Sacramento with his family, where he passed early 2009.
The Iu Mien - 12 Clans
When talking about the original twelve clans, it is difficult for almost any Mien to name all of them since a few of the clans got lost or left behind when escaping from mainland China many generations ago. Another complicating factor is that the names that the Thais gave to each clan (which are the basis for today's Mien surnames in Thailand and the United States) not only depended on what each Thai interviewer heard their clan name to be, but also differs from the names that Miens call themselves. For instance, Ann (Saefung) and Laosan (Saefong) spell their official last names differently, yet each will identify themselves as a member of the Bungz clan. Notice that when Ann introduces herself, she first says her Thai name, then her Mien clan (in this case calling it La Bpung), then finally her Mien given name.
Bienh = Saephan/Saephanh/Saepharn
Lorh/Lor = Saelaw/Saelor
Leiz = Saelee
Zuaqv = Saechou
Dangc/Thang = Saeteurn/Saetern/Saeturn
Yangh = Saeyang
Clans descending from husbands of the six daughters of Baeng Hung
Zeuz = Saechao
Lio = Saelio/Liow/Liew
Bungz = Saefong
Zaanh = Saezaanh
Chin = Saechin
Siaau = Saeseao
Other last names
Dorngh = Saetong
Bew/Bao = Saepao
Vang = Saevang
Note: The "Sae" prefix was appended by Thai authorities to designate a last name derived from a Chinese clan. Hmongs and ethnic Chinese, especially Hakka and Teochiu, also were originally given names of this form, though most have changed their names since; Hmongs doing so by dropping the Sae, Chinese by requesting an official four-syllable Thai last name from the Thai government. Most Miens have kept the Sae appended to their names.
Common boy names are: Kao, Ton, A, San, Low, Choy, Chio, Lou, Sou, Ou, and Seng.
Names for both genders: Lai, Liew, Nai, and Cheng. These names are more common with girls.
Converted Christians believed the Taoist ancestors' "Book Of Life" was evil; so, upon baptism, they would burn the Book Of Life, which, in turn, destroyed much history. "The Book of Life" was a record of the Iu-Mien kin, dating back hundreds of generations. The book includes a family tree of sorts, detailing philosophical dates and times. It details the fate of marriages, life, and choices made thousands of years ago, which are still seen as relevant today. "The Book of Life" was also known as The Book of Time and The Book of Death and Light.
Emperor Revolution:
About the 12 Clan Civilization, 12 Zodiac, 12 Cycle, Six Prince and Six Princess, Return of the 12 propagation of Tao Te Ching, 3 Nobel Teachings, 5 Element:
see also:
Laozi
, Tao Te Ching
or Dao De Jing, Sheng xiao, Buddhism
, Confucianism
, Christianity
, Eastern Philosophy
Nowadays, Mien people usually write their own songs or they translate Thai and Lao songs into Mien.
This group is also under the "Yao" classification in China. It has become apparent that the term "Yao" is no more than a longstanding name used by host Chinese. These peoples traditionally do not call themselves "Yao" and not all "Yao" are Mien.
The Republic of China
made the name "Yao" official in 1945 by classification for government purposes. The classification associates minorities that may or may not have related ancestry. Although they share festivities of the same creation story, PanHu (Pien Hung), it is hard to determine what relations are beyond that fact. Through recent contacts, some spoke the same language as Mien Americans while others did not, with unintelligible conversation, clearly distinct cultures, food, dress and more. There continue to be various names under the "Yao" classification for these differences, named by the Chinese, such as: Bunu, Dongnu, Panyao, etc.
It is extremely difficult to find history behind Mien origins when the term "Yao" is used. So many sources (both Western and Chinese) describe the "Yao" history, yet the particular language and people is never defined.
Incredibly spicy full burst flavor-dipping sauce (Great for Grilled/BBQ Chicken, Steak, Pork, and Oysters): Mien pepper sauce
Other influences such as Som Tum also known as papaya salad (Thai/Lao dish), Larb
(Thai/Lao dish), etc...
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
.
History
Yao people, from whom Mien Americans descend, arrived in LaosLaos
Laos Lao: ສາທາລະນະລັດ ປະຊາທິປະໄຕ ປະຊາຊົນລາວ Sathalanalat Paxathipatai Paxaxon Lao, officially the Lao People's Democratic Republic, is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia, bordered by Burma and China to the northwest, Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the south and Thailand to the west...
from Southern China
Northern and southern China
Northern China and southern China are two approximate regions within China. The exact boundary between these two regions has never been precisely defined...
during the late 1800s. Reasons for this migration remain controversial, varying from political to socio-economic ventures. Many Mien American elders fought alongside the United States CIA during the "Secret War" of Laos
Laos
Laos Lao: ສາທາລະນະລັດ ປະຊາທິປະໄຕ ປະຊາຊົນລາວ Sathalanalat Paxathipatai Paxaxon Lao, officially the Lao People's Democratic Republic, is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia, bordered by Burma and China to the northwest, Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the south and Thailand to the west...
in an effort to block weapon trails to Vietnam
Vietnam
Vietnam – sometimes spelled Viet Nam , officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam – is the easternmost country on the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. It is bordered by China to the north, Laos to the northwest, Cambodia to the southwest, and the South China Sea –...
. When the American operation pulled out in 1975, hundreds of families were forced to seek refuge in the neighboring country of Thailand
Thailand
Thailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...
. Hundreds died during this journey on foot through the deep jungles of Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia, South-East Asia, South East Asia or Southeastern Asia is a subregion of Asia, consisting of the countries that are geographically south of China, east of India, west of New Guinea and north of Australia. The region lies on the intersection of geological plates, with heavy seismic...
. In the next few years, thousands settled in Thailand refugee camps. Through programs from the United Nations
United Nations
The United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
, roughly 60,000 were sponsored to western countries such as the United States.
Population
Approximately 50,000 MienYao people
The Yao nationality is a government classification for various minorities in China. They form one of the 55 ethnic minority groups officially recognized by the People's Republic of China, where they reside in the mountainous terrain of the southwest and south...
settled along the western coast of the U.S. in states of Washington, Oregon
Oregon
Oregon is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It is located on the Pacific coast, with Washington to the north, California to the south, Nevada on the southeast and Idaho to the east. The Columbia and Snake rivers delineate much of Oregon's northern and eastern...
and California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
. Approximately 10,000 settled in other parts of the country, in states of Alabama
Alabama
Alabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
, Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
, Tennessee
Tennessee
Tennessee is a U.S. state located in the Southeastern United States. It has a population of 6,346,105, making it the nation's 17th-largest state by population, and covers , making it the 36th-largest by total land area...
, Michigan
Michigan
Michigan is a U.S. state located in the Great Lakes Region of the United States of America. The name Michigan is the French form of the Ojibwa word mishigamaa, meaning "large water" or "large lake"....
, Illinois
Illinois
Illinois is the fifth-most populous state of the United States of America, and is often noted for being a microcosm of the entire country. With Chicago in the northeast, small industrial cities and great agricultural productivity in central and northern Illinois, and natural resources like coal,...
and other states. This ethnicity group has yet to be included in the United States Census
United States Census
The United States Census is a decennial census mandated by the United States Constitution. The population is enumerated every 10 years and the results are used to allocate Congressional seats , electoral votes, and government program funding. The United States Census Bureau The United States Census...
and consequently, current population numbers have been skewed anywhere from 50,000 to 150,000. Since resettlement in America, historical contacts have been and continue to be made, between Mien Americans and Mien in China and Vietnam. Many Mien American relatives still remain in the countries of Laos and Thailand.
As a people from ancient, isolated farming societies, first Mien American generations struggled through obstacles of language, acculturation and more as they resettled in bustling, modern cities. As younger generations Americanize, they face generational gaps, loss of language, loss of culture, lack of identity and more. Community-based organizations formed among communities in Washington, Oregon and California to provide direct services, catering to resettlement issues.
They celebrated their 31st anniversary in Sacramento, California
Sacramento, California
Sacramento is the capital city of the U.S. state of California and the county seat of Sacramento County. It is located at the confluence of the Sacramento River and the American River in the northern portion of California's expansive Central Valley. With a population of 466,488 at the 2010 census,...
, on July 7, 2007. Achievement awards were given to Mien American military servicemembers, doctors, educators, scholars, leaders, and others.
Iu-Mienh people have settled all across continents of the world. There is Iu-Mien who settled in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
, Belgium
Belgium
Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
, Burma, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
, Denmark
Denmark
Denmark is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe. The countries of Denmark and Greenland, as well as the Faroe Islands, constitute the Kingdom of Denmark . It is the southernmost of the Nordic countries, southwest of Sweden and south of Norway, and bordered to the south by Germany. Denmark...
, France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
, Laos
Laos
Laos Lao: ສາທາລະນະລັດ ປະຊາທິປະໄຕ ປະຊາຊົນລາວ Sathalanalat Paxathipatai Paxaxon Lao, officially the Lao People's Democratic Republic, is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia, bordered by Burma and China to the northwest, Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the south and Thailand to the west...
, Myanmar
Myanmar
Burma , officially the Republic of the Union of Myanmar , is a country in Southeast Asia. Burma is bordered by China on the northeast, Laos on the east, Thailand on the southeast, Bangladesh on the west, India on the northwest, the Bay of Bengal to the southwest, and the Andaman Sea on the south....
, New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
, Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland name of one of the Swiss cantons. ; ; ; or ), in its full name the Swiss Confederation , is a federal republic consisting of 26 cantons, with Bern as the seat of the federal authorities. The country is situated in Western Europe,Or Central Europe depending on the definition....
, Thailand
Thailand
Thailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...
, and Viet Nam after or during the "Secret War."
There is a large population of Mien Americans that have settled in the city of Sacramento.
In California: Sacramento, Oakland, Richmond, San Jose, Merced, Visalia, Stockton, Fresno, Yuba City, Oroville, Gridley, and Redding.
In Oregon, most of the Mien population is in Portland.
In Washington, most of the Mien population is in Seattle.
The Secret War
Mien people (rebel alliance) were very involved in the CIA’s Secret War between U.S and Vietnam. There were three Iu-Mien generals who recruited other Mien soldiers to fight along side the United States; they are: General Chow Mai Saechao, Chow Lah Saechao, and Vern Chien Saechao.In Laos of 1968, General Chow Mai passed away fighting along side the United States.
General Chow Lah Saechao resides in France, he passed in 2008.
General Vern Chien Saechao resided in Sacramento with his family, where he passed early 2009.
Names
The Iu Mien - 12 Clans
When talking about the original twelve clans, it is difficult for almost any Mien to name all of them since a few of the clans got lost or left behind when escaping from mainland China many generations ago. Another complicating factor is that the names that the Thais gave to each clan (which are the basis for today's Mien surnames in Thailand and the United States) not only depended on what each Thai interviewer heard their clan name to be, but also differs from the names that Miens call themselves. For instance, Ann (Saefung) and Laosan (Saefong) spell their official last names differently, yet each will identify themselves as a member of the Bungz clan. Notice that when Ann introduces herself, she first says her Thai name, then her Mien clan (in this case calling it La Bpung), then finally her Mien given name.
Last names
Clans descending from the six sons of Baeng HungBienh = Saephan/Saephanh/Saepharn
Lorh/Lor = Saelaw/Saelor
Leiz = Saelee
Zuaqv = Saechou
Dangc/Thang = Saeteurn/Saetern/Saeturn
Yangh = Saeyang
Clans descending from husbands of the six daughters of Baeng Hung
Zeuz = Saechao
Lio = Saelio/Liow/Liew
Bungz = Saefong
Zaanh = Saezaanh
Chin = Saechin
Siaau = Saeseao
Other last names
Dorngh = Saetong
Bew/Bao = Saepao
Vang = Saevang
Note: The "Sae" prefix was appended by Thai authorities to designate a last name derived from a Chinese clan. Hmongs and ethnic Chinese, especially Hakka and Teochiu, also were originally given names of this form, though most have changed their names since; Hmongs doing so by dropping the Sae, Chinese by requesting an official four-syllable Thai last name from the Thai government. Most Miens have kept the Sae appended to their names.
First names
Common girl names are: Meuy/Mey, Fam/Farm, Fay/Fey, and Mouang.Common boy names are: Kao, Ton, A, San, Low, Choy, Chio, Lou, Sou, Ou, and Seng.
Names for both genders: Lai, Liew, Nai, and Cheng. These names are more common with girls.
Beliefs
The Chinese Mien (known in China as the Yao [瑶]) traditionally were Taoist-Buddhists, though members of the community later also adopted Christianity. Those who converted to Christianity saw their faith as incipient in the Taoist twelve-part cycle, but hidden in name. Having passed through several droughts, the Iu-Mien began performing Taoist ceremonies.Converted Christians believed the Taoist ancestors' "Book Of Life" was evil; so, upon baptism, they would burn the Book Of Life, which, in turn, destroyed much history. "The Book of Life" was a record of the Iu-Mien kin, dating back hundreds of generations. The book includes a family tree of sorts, detailing philosophical dates and times. It details the fate of marriages, life, and choices made thousands of years ago, which are still seen as relevant today. "The Book of Life" was also known as The Book of Time and The Book of Death and Light.
Emperor Revolution:
About the 12 Clan Civilization, 12 Zodiac, 12 Cycle, Six Prince and Six Princess, Return of the 12 propagation of Tao Te Ching, 3 Nobel Teachings, 5 Element:
see also:
Laozi
Laozi
Laozi was a mystic philosopher of ancient China, best known as the author of the Tao Te Ching . His association with the Tao Te Ching has led him to be traditionally considered the founder of Taoism...
, Tao Te Ching
Tao Te Ching
The Tao Te Ching, Dao De Jing, or Daodejing , also simply referred to as the Laozi, whose authorship has been attributed to Laozi, is a Chinese classic text...
or Dao De Jing, Sheng xiao, Buddhism
Buddhism
Buddhism is a religion and philosophy encompassing a variety of traditions, beliefs and practices, largely based on teachings attributed to Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as the Buddha . The Buddha lived and taught in the northeastern Indian subcontinent some time between the 6th and 4th...
, Confucianism
Confucianism
Confucianism is a Chinese ethical and philosophical system developed from the teachings of the Chinese philosopher Confucius . Confucianism originated as an "ethical-sociopolitical teaching" during the Spring and Autumn Period, but later developed metaphysical and cosmological elements in the Han...
, Christianity
Christianity
Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus as presented in canonical gospels and other New Testament writings...
, Eastern Philosophy
Eastern philosophy
Eastern philosophy includes the various philosophies of Asia, including Chinese philosophy, Iranian philosophy, Japanese philosophy, Indian philosophy and Korean philosophy...
Music
In traditional days, Mien communicate by singing and telling folk stories. It was a way of philosophical communication and a way of teaching by passing on stories in profound songs generations after generations. Singing and reciting by doing noble ritual offerings to the ancestors from the "Book of Life", burning incense was a way to keep the roots educated and benevolence performing peaceful harmony in ceremonies.Nowadays, Mien people usually write their own songs or they translate Thai and Lao songs into Mien.
Classification
- Language: MienIu Mien languageThe Iu Mien language is one of the main languages spoken by the Yao people in China, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand and more recently the United States, in diaspora. There are about 2,172,000 speakers in total, according to census data in 2000 from China, Vietnam, Thai, Laos, United States of America,...
- Ethnicity: Iu Mien, Mien, YaoYao peopleThe Yao nationality is a government classification for various minorities in China. They form one of the 55 ethnic minority groups officially recognized by the People's Republic of China, where they reside in the mountainous terrain of the southwest and south...
This group is also under the "Yao" classification in China. It has become apparent that the term "Yao" is no more than a longstanding name used by host Chinese. These peoples traditionally do not call themselves "Yao" and not all "Yao" are Mien.
The Republic of China
Republic of China
The Republic of China , commonly known as Taiwan , is a unitary sovereign state located in East Asia. Originally based in mainland China, the Republic of China currently governs the island of Taiwan , which forms over 99% of its current territory, as well as Penghu, Kinmen, Matsu and other minor...
made the name "Yao" official in 1945 by classification for government purposes. The classification associates minorities that may or may not have related ancestry. Although they share festivities of the same creation story, PanHu (Pien Hung), it is hard to determine what relations are beyond that fact. Through recent contacts, some spoke the same language as Mien Americans while others did not, with unintelligible conversation, clearly distinct cultures, food, dress and more. There continue to be various names under the "Yao" classification for these differences, named by the Chinese, such as: Bunu, Dongnu, Panyao, etc.
It is extremely difficult to find history behind Mien origins when the term "Yao" is used. So many sources (both Western and Chinese) describe the "Yao" history, yet the particular language and people is never defined.
Traditional Dishes
Mien traditional dishes/ diets consist of vegetables, chicken, pork, beef, fish, and rice. Authentic dishes are mien pork-sausages (pork - with mien herbs/seasoning), ah-won (pork-stew), Klang Phen (flour desert), steamed or boiled pork, chicken, or beef with Tofu, Ka-Soy, mien salad, fermented pickled mustard greens (ly-seawea), fermented MIEN bean paste (thop choi/ thop zhay), roast/ baked fish wrapped in banana leaf (modernly wrapped in banana leaf as well as foil) and banana-leaf wrap roast/steam ground-pork, beef, or chicken.Incredibly spicy full burst flavor-dipping sauce (Great for Grilled/BBQ Chicken, Steak, Pork, and Oysters): Mien pepper sauce
Other influences such as Som Tum also known as papaya salad (Thai/Lao dish), Larb
Larb
Larb is a type of Laotian and Isan meat salad that is regarded as the national dish of Laos. Larb is a creation of the Lao people, with 20 million living in the Isan region of Thailand, and 4.5 million in Laos. Larb originated in Laos and is one of the most famous dishes from Laos...
(Thai/Lao dish), etc...
Films
- 2003 - Death of a Shaman. Directed by Richard Hall; produced by Fahm Fong Saeyang.
- A Dedication: We are One- YouTube Video, By: MeyKhuangPien.
- Iu Mien Peoples - Legend of Pan Hu, By: tzeoyao.
- Voices From The Mountains: Mienh History Documentary
- 2010 - "Siang-Caaux Mienh". Directed by Alejandro Cardeinte
See also
- Yao peopleYao peopleThe Yao nationality is a government classification for various minorities in China. They form one of the 55 ethnic minority groups officially recognized by the People's Republic of China, where they reside in the mountainous terrain of the southwest and south...
- The Yao ethnic minority