Zhuang, Liujiang in China
Photo Source:
Anonymous
|
Map Source:
People Group location: IMB. Map geography: ESRI / GMI. Map design: Joshua Project.
|
| People Name: | Zhuang, Liujiang |
| Country: | China |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 1,713,000 |
| World Population: | 1,713,000 |
| Primary Language: | Zhuang, Liujiang |
| Primary Religion: | Ethnic Religions |
| Christian Adherents: | 1.20 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.90 % |
| Scripture: | Unspecified |
| Ministry Resources: | No |
| Jesus Film: | No |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Zhuang |
| Affinity Bloc: | Southeast Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
|
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) speak a collection of related Central Tai languages 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. One of these is the Liujiang group. China's Guangxi Province is made up mostly of people from the Zhuang people groups.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Liujiang 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.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Liujiang Zhuang are careful not to offend the spirit world that surrounds them. They believe in the spirits of the water, forest, mountain, village, etc. Each Zhuang group, including the Liujiang, are unreached with the gospel.
What Are Their Needs?
The Zhuang have great linguistic diversity. Little has changed since this 1922 report describing Guangxi: "There are 58 cities, 700 market towns, and over 17,000 villages, all teeming with human lives for whom no effort whatever is being put forth." Therefore, it will take many efforts to produce gospel materials for the Zhuang peoples.
Prayer Points
Pray for the Lord to raise up, equip and send out linguists who can help the Zhuang peoples to produce gospel materials.
Pray for the Liujiang Zhuang to have the spiritual hunger it takes to seek and find the Lord of lords.
Pray for Liujiang disciples who will disciple others, spreading the fragrance of Christ throughout Guangxi Province.