From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia
Yi people are an ethnic group in China, Vietnam, and Thailand. They are one of the 56 officially recognized ethnic groups in China and are the seventh largest of the groups. The Yi people have a rich history and culture, with their own language, script, and traditions.
The history of the Yi people is complex and spans thousands of years. They are believed to have originated in the Qiang region of western China, and have migrated throughout the country over the centuries. The Yi have a rich oral tradition, with many stories and legends passed down through generations.
The Yi language is a member of the Tibeto-Burman language family. It is spoken by the majority of the Yi people, and has several dialects. The Yi script, a unique syllabic script, was developed in the 13th century and is still in use today.
The culture of the Yi people is rich and diverse, with unique traditions in music, dance, and art. The Torch Festival, one of the most important Yi festivals, is celebrated annually with bonfires, dancing, and singing. The Yi are also known for their intricate embroidery and silverwork.
The traditional religion of the Yi people is a form of animism, with a belief in a multitude of spirits and deities. Many Yi also practice Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, and there is a small Christian minority.
Yi society is traditionally divided into a caste system, with the Black Yi at the top and the White Yi at the bottom. This system has largely been abolished in modern times, but still influences Yi society to some extent.
