OVERVIEW OF THE HILLTRIBES

The Hilltribe peoples migrated to Thailand over 100 years ago from China, Mongolia, Tibet, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Cambodia. The mountains in the Mae Hong Son province in northern Thailand are spotted with villages of seven major tribes; the Karen, Meo, Yao, Lisu, Lahu, Lawa, and Akha. Each has their own distinct culture, religion, language, art, and style of dress. They are traditionally subsistence agriculturalists, although tourism has allowed crafts such as textiles and musical instruments to become a source of income. Although each tribe is distinctly different, there are similarities such as holding their ancestors and elders in the highest respect, and their belief in Animism.

Known as a primitive religion from over 3000 years ago, Animism is the belief that all objects, animals, plants, and mountains, have a spirit or soul. The Hill tribe people believe that the spirits are powerful, and can help or hurt them, so the worship of these spirits is important to their way of life. There is also the belief that each person has an individual spirit that will protect them throughout their life, an Eastern guardian angel of sorts. There are shrines for these spirits, and they are appeased with whiskey, sweets, and charms.

Some links about Thai Hilltribes:

http://www.lisulodge.com/html/introduction.html

http://www.track-of-the-tiger.com/html/hilltribe_groups.html

http://www.lisulodge.com/