| 摘 要： | ＂＇Badai＂ is the name the Miao give to their shamans, who officiate at sacrificial and customary rituals and indeed all ceremonies for Miao social events. The culture of rituals is called ＂Badai culture,＂ and it holds a significant place in Miao culture. The process of rituals and ceremonies, the ＂living fossil＂ of Miao history and culture so to speak, enabling the Miao people of today to inherit their ancestors＇ culture and social conventions. A ceremony may involve from seven to 36 Badai, and it is they who have taken up the torch from their ancestors, perpetuating the survival of the ancient culture. Though predominantly an oral tradition, the words of the rituals have now been brought together in a 176-chapter, 2,866-section ＂classic.＂ It is an authentic record of Miao history and culture, with copious information about Miao religion, philosophy, history, arts, medicine, and health preservation.
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