Author: B Lalthangliana
Publisher: Publications Division
Year: 2005
Language: English
Pages: 404
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8123013094
Description
The book has been written with a purpose to integrate the Mizos with the main land. It portrays the Mizo life and culture in such a way that it would invite new interest in Mizoram. The rich visual and verbal content of the book brings forth the complete picture of the Mizos in all their settings, their historical evolution, customs, beliefs, occupation, crafts and their present status.
The Mizos, who are of Mongoloid origin had very little written document on their culture and folklore. It was penned mostly by British officers who were stationed at Mizoram (then called Lushai Hills) in the last part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The old records, though very valuable for reference do not cover all the aspects of Mizo culture and folklore.
We, the Mizos are progressing in all spheres of life including Science and Technology. In this fast paced modern way of life, it seems that the present-day Mizo youths have somewhat forgotten their culture, tradition and the folktales of yore. Even otherwise Mizo culture and tradition somehow does not seen to get properly highlighted as the Mizos in general have adopted Christianity as their religion.
Contents
FOREWORD
PREFACE
INTRODUCTION
PART I - CULTURE
Mizo Village
Mizo Family Life
The Chief and His Subjects
System of Cultivation
Clothing
Children’s Games
Domestic Animals
Customs of Entertaining Guest
How Tlawmngaihna Was Inculcated in the Young
Valuable Possessions
Festivals
Mizo Dances
Mizo Musical Instruments
Customary Apportionment of an Animal Killed in a Hunt
Sa Aih Ceremony
Communal Fishing with Herbal Toxins
Life of the Young Men and Maidens
Mizo Marriage Customs
Mizo Divorce System
Bone of Contention - Corpse or Sick Person
Zawlbuk-Bachelors dormitory
Zu-Intoxicating Drinks
Views About Supernatural Beings
Sacrificial Rites and Customs
Observance of head-Hunting of Enemies Rituals and Ceremonies
Last Rites
PART II - FOLKTALES
INTRODUCTION
The stag and the Tortoise
The fight between animals and birds
Thalungi
Man who sharpened swords
The miserable boy
The tortoise and the monkey
Chhawnlaihawihi
A father who abandoned his tow sons
The monkey’s flute and the bustard quail
The father of seven sons
The egg and the stick
Nuchhimi and Hmuichukchuruduni
The Bear’s Pond
Sichangneii
Chawngchilhi
The swing and the monkey
Samdala
Kelchawngi
Chhurbura
Chhura made a trip that ended in his own home
Chhura wanted a blanket in daytime and axe at night
Chhura had a fly to sell
Chhura escaped by using a simple ruse
Chhura swapped the house
Chhura got wild potatoes of poor quality
Chhura threatened to take away his half part of the mithun
Chhura lost the art of whistling
Chhura became rich
A stone that told lies
Two sisters went in search of cucumbers
Vanchungnula
Mualzavata
A horn that was curved like a spiral
Aihniara
White eyelid monkey had a stubble for its tail
Buizova
Rimenhawihi
Tlingi and Ngama
The chief’s daughter and a snake
Why the dog did not have horns while the goat had
Kawrdumbela
The tiger and the frog
Rahtea
Sibuta and Dari
Sawngkhara used charms to get a beautiful wife
Pi Hmuaki is remembered for the her songs
Vaichhuka and the strong man
Kungawrhi and the Goblins
Runginu and Thialtea
Chala and Thangi
Duhmanga and Dardini
Sazaltepa and Bakvawmtepu
Ngaitei saved her native village
Ugly Chepahakhata became the spokesman of the Mizo
Gifts from the Brother-in-low
Origin of the Tuaichawng River
Tualvungi and Zawlpala
Lalruanga the Magician
Hlawndawhthanga
Liandova
BIBLIOGRAPHY