Song of a Searching Miao
In their largely oral culture, the Miao tell stories to explain natural occurrences. Often these stories are sung, using a question and answer motif. Sam Clarke, a missionary with China Inland Mission, heard the following story-song just before China’s doors were closed:
Who made heaven and earth? Who made insects?
Who made men? Made male and made female?
I who speak do not know.
Vang-vai (heavenly king) made heaven and earth.
Zie-ne (another deity) made insects.
Zie-ne made men and demons, Made male and female.
How is it you do not know?
How made heaven and earth? How made insects?
How made men and demons? Made male and made female?
I who speak do not know.
Heavenly King was intelligent.
Spat a lot of spittle into his hand, Clapped his hands with a noise,
Produced heaven and earth. Tall wild grass made insects.
Stones made men and demons. Made male and made female.
How is it you do not know?
Made heaven in what way? Made earth in what way?
Thus by rote I sing, But I do not understand.
Made heaven like a sun-hat. Made earth like a dust-pan.
Why don’t you understand?
Made heaven a single lump, Made earth a single lump.
Who put heaven up? Heaven then so very high.
Who separated earth low down? Earth then deep and low.
I sing and don’t understand.
Pray:
- Thank You that the Black Hmong radio broadcasts are now airing. May news of the programs spread quickly so that many begin listening.
- Jesus, creator of all things, reveal Yourself to the Miao. Use all means possible to get word of Yourself to them.
- Let them discover You as source and creator of all things…and even more as the one who can re-create their lives. (Hebrews 1:1-2)
- Show them Your power and radiant glory (Hebrews 1:3) so that a genuine desire to know God is awakened in them.
- Reveal Your character to them; let them see and know Your goodness and mercy. Deliver them from the bondage of sin
