People
Who they are
The Baihong live across a large area of southern Yunnan, China, between Mojiang and Yuanjiang counties. The Chinese government classified them as part of the Hani ethnic group, and they were previously called Mahei, a name that still appears in many publications. They speak Baihong, a variety of Honi, a language in the Sino-Tibetan family.
In Naha, a Baihong village in Mojiang County, a study published in 2011 described how young women learn to embroider, spin, weave, dye, and sew from their mothers and other older women.
Where they live
1
Country
247K
Population
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
China Partially reached
|
100%
|
247.000 |
How they live
In Naha, traditional clothing is made from homewoven cotton and suited to work in the mountains and terraced rice fields. According to the 2011 study, men wear a close-fitting jacket with a short collar, open at the front, and loose trousers, with a black turban. Young women wear short blouses and short trousers, with shin guards, so they can move freely as they work. Girls learn embroidery from their mothers from an early age; by around 17 or 18, most have mastered spinning, weaving, dyeing, cutting, and sewing.
What they believe
Traditionally, the Baihong believe that spirits inhabit trees, water, mountains, and the sky. Some spirits protect the villages; others cause illness and suffering. Young people have attended schools that teach atheism, so many have no religion. Some Baihong have heard the gospel from their Kado and Biyo neighbors, whose languages are related to theirs, and as a result there are a few Baihong Christians.
The Bible in this people's language
A people only truly understands the gospel when they hear it in the language of their heart. See how far the translation has come.
Honi
New Testament complete
- Translation started Done
- Portions Done
- New Testament Current stage
- 4 Whole Bible Still ahead
Audio recordings Available
Jesus Film Available
Translation data: Joshua Project.
Gospel progress among the unreached
Christians (all traditions)2.8%
Evangelicals2.7%
Needs
According to older accounts, most Baihong lived in remote communities that had not yet been visited by anyone proclaiming the gospel. Baihong Christians have faced severe persecution from local authorities seeking to curb the spread of Christianity. The first Christian recordings in the Baihong language have been made.
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
Pray for protection and courage for Baihong Christians as they face opposition to their faith.
Pray for the use of Baihong recordings in Bible teaching.
Pray for Kado and Biyo Christians to continue sharing the gospel with the Baihong.
Pray for the Church to be strengthened among the Baihong in remote communities.
Pray for Baihong
Intercede for this people alongside Christians around the world.
Open the Prayer Calendar