Introduction / History

During the Qin Dynasty (221-207 BC), half a million Han convicts were exiled by Emperor Qin Shihuang to the Lingnan region in southern China (now Guangxi and Guangdong). There they intermingled with the various branches of the Bai Yue nationality. The Zhuang today are thought to be the descendants of the Bai Yue. Historically, the Zhuang were called Tuliao or Sharen.

The Zhuang (Yongnan, Dai, Nong, Yang, Zuojiang) are a collection of related Central Tai language groups which have been combined with the Northern Zhuang (a collection of Northern Tai language groups) to form China's official Zhuang nationality. There are many tribes, clans, and self-designations among the Zhuang. Names such as Debao and Heiyi frequently appear in Chinese linguistic research.

The Yongnan Zhuang live mainly in China, but there are also some in Vietnam.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Yongnan Zhuang homes are usually built on stilts. A newly married woman stays with her parents until after the birth of the first child. Only then does she go to live with her husband in his village.

Zhuang peoples have a tradition of written and unwritten stories and legends, some of which date back 1,000 years. Many of their folk tales and poems are in the form of song. Someone with the right skills could use their melodies to teach about the ways of Jesus.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Zhuang religion is a blend of animism, which they call Shigongism or Moism, and ancestor worship. The Yongnan Zhuang people fear evil spirits; appeasing them dominates much of their daily existence. They serve and worship the spirits of the water, forest, mountain, village, etc.

What Are Their Needs?

These people need to put their hope and identity in the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Prayer Points

Pray for workers to go to the Yongnan Zhuang people, and for their hearts to be ready to receive their Savior.

Pray for families of believers loving and serving others to grow reproducing churches.

Pray for a chain reaction of families reaching families that results in thousands of new believers who share their faith with others.

Pray for grace and truth expanding into their entire society as all believers learn to love others.

Scripture Prayers for the Zhuang, Yongnan in Vietnam.

References

Operation China, Asia Harvest, Copyrighted © Used with permission