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The Yao Mun migrated into Laos from China approximately 200 years ago, and settled in the north along the China and Myanmar borders. Others migrated to Vietnam, and some are still living in China. In Laos, the Yao Mun are also known as Lanten, from lántiēn in Chinese which means “blue sky” (referring to their indigo-dyed clothing) or the Lao Huay, which means “Lao of the streams”.
The Lanten are known for upholding their culture and traditional dress. Lanten families each grow cotton and indigo to produce their traditional clothing — blue tunics and trousers with a pink tassel belt for the women, and blue-black jackets and blue trousers for the men. The Yao Mun practise Taoism, and use Chinese characters for their religious scripts painted on delicate bamboo paper handmade by women.
Together with TAEC, the Lanten have experimented with different colours: bright reds, yellows, and purples from both market and natural dyes. These have been used in products including bags, home textiles, and ornaments showcasing their embroidery.
Read more about the Lanten in Champa Meuanglao Magazine.
