Visiting Thai Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on Sunday visited
a village of the Zhuang ethnic minority in South China's Guangxi
Zhuang Autonomous Region, and was given a first-hand introduction
to their culture.
The villagers, a particular group of the Zhuang ethnic minority
who live in Baise City, have a special affinity for the color
black. They dress in black and regard it as a symbol of their
group. They lived in forests and mountains for centuries before
moving into the village, and have held on tenaciously to cultural
and traditional practices.
At the entrance to the village, the princess was invited to
sample the local wine brewed from corn, which is served as a mark
of hospitality.
In the main village square, Princess Sirindhorn was entertained
with folk songs and dances, and even joined in, dancing hand in
hand with her hosts.
The princess was invited to the home of Yang Guijin, a yarn
maker. She tried her hand at Yang's loom. Because the Zhuang and
Thai languages are so similar, the princess was able to communicate
with Yang without the help of her interpreter.
Princess Sirindhorn is scheduled to leave for South China's
Guangdong Province on Monday. She is on an 11-day visit to China at
the invitation of the Chinese government.
This is her 23rd visit to China.
Princess Sirindhorn, who has a special interest in Chinese
language and history, is also a writer.
(Xinhua News Agency April 10, 2006)
