Lami in China

People Name:	Lami
Country:	China
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	132,000
World Population:	132,000
Primary Language:	Lalo, Dongshanba
Primary Religion:	Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents:	2.50 %
Evangelicals:	1.99 %
Scripture:	Unspecified
Ministry Resources:	No
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	No
People Cluster:	Hani
Affinity Bloc:	Tibetan-Himalayan Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

In the distant past the Lami were a part of a large group of Tibeto-Burman peoples, including today's Akha, Hani, and Yi. Research indicates the formation of today's distinct Hani groups started in the thirteenth century, probably as a result of Genghis Khan's conquest of Yunnan.

Approximately 13,000 Lami in Pu'er County have been officially classified under the Hani nationality. The majority of Lami, however, have been officially included as part of the Yi nationality. The name Lami may mean "dirty" or "lowly." Some Hani may identify themselves as Lami so they can be treated as a separate group.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Long Dragon Banquet is a Lami festival held on the third and fourth days of the 12th lunar month every year. Tables, dishes, trays, and wine cups are placed in a pattern to resemble the scales of a dragon. Each household is required to prepare "a table of fifteen to twenty dishes of delicacies comprising of food they grudge eating at ordinary times, that is, birds, beasts and aquatic produce. No ingredients such as carrots or cabbage are to be used."

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Lami keep strictly to the customs handed down from their ancestors. Angmatu, their principal festival, is considered the best time for them to worship their deity and ask for blessings. "The god of strength is the deity they worship, the god they believe can dispel disasters and sweep away all evils and monsters, and endow them with auspiciousness, fortune, longevity and bumper harvests." Festival leaders among the Lami are selected after they have been approved by the deities. Chickens are slaughtered and their liver patterns studied to determine who should take up the sacred posts. During the festival, the leaders must sleep on one side of their body and abstain from sexual intercourse and from eating meat. For one month prior to the festival, they must separate themselves from all people, including their own families.

There are a few thousand known Lami Christians, due to the witness of large Christian communities among the nearby Kado and Biyo. The Lami zealously guard their traditions and refuse to allow outside influences into their culture. The introverted nature of the Lami has kept most from seeing their need of God.

What Are Their Needs?

Without the guidance of Christ, these people are like sheep without a shepherd. They need the good shepherd in their families and communities.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to intervene in their families, calling people to his side.

Pray for loving workers.

Pray for their hearts to be drawn to the Lord of lords.

Pray for a church planting movement to thrive in their communities.