勉 Iu Mien Folktale
Connecting the past to the present, each of Red Bluff’s Chinese American families who journeyed in the 19th Century to settle in Red Bluff, California are descendants from China’s Imperial period. Please join the Helen and Joe Chew Foundation in reconnecting the past to the present through 勉 Iu Mien folktale author Theresa Saechao Rother who recently published Three Sisters and the Black Snake.
Admission: Free for all to enjoy!
Details: Get ready to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of 勉 Iu Mien Folktales by acclaimed author Theresa Saechao Rother, who has recently released her mesmerizing masterpiece, "Three Sisters and the Black Snake." Her storytelling will immerse you in the vibrant culture of the 勉 Iu Mien people and the timeless tales that have been passed down through generations. There will be an interactive discussion to share your thoughts and engage with the author as we explore the themes, characters, and hidden gems within the story.
The first official records of the 勉 Iu Mien people are from the Tang Dynasty (619–906 C.E.). A popular legend found on Chinese scrolls called King Ping's Charter tells the story of P'an Hu, a multi-colored dog who married a Chinese princess. According to the myth, the Chinese emperor King P'ing of the Ch'u Kingdom (528-516 B.C.) promised to give one of his daughters in marriage to anyone who could rid him of his enemy, King Kao. A multi-colored dog named P'an Hu succeeded, brought back King Kao's head, and married the princess, giving birth to six sons and six daughters. The twelve children are said to be the forefathers of the twelve Yao tribes. Though parts of the story are mythical, some believe the story tells the history of the first patriarch of the Iu Mien people.
For generations, the 勉 Iu Mien people are believed to have lived in harmony in Qianjiadong, Hunan. The 勉 Iu Mien people traded various goods with various dynasties. This prosperous period ended when officials during the Yuan dynasty (1271–1368 C.E.) took note of the prospering settlement and began to collect taxes from them forcibly. Many 勉 Iu Mien people were hung, houses were burnt down, and priceless pieces of 勉 Iu Mien culture destroyed. The 12 勉 Iu Mien elders blew the ox horn and called a meeting, fearing more death from the government, and told the people to flee for their lives. Before they departed, they cut up the horn into 12 pieces, vowing to return within 500 years to rebuild their homeland and put the horn back together.
Location: Tehama County Library located at 545 Diamond Ave, Red Bluff, CA 96080
Event is part of a complimentary one-year-series of events
Sponsored by the Helen and Joe Chew Foundation
in collaboration with TJ Story Books
Limited Seats Available! Secure Your Spot Now!
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