The Lisu are an ethnic group who originated from Tibet and migrated to the Yunnan Province in China.  From there, they dispersed to different regions and are mainly found in Southwest China, Southern Myanmar, Northeast India and Northern Thailand.  Lisu history is passed down orally through song.  Today, the song is long enough that it will take a whole night to sing.

They are an outgoing and colorful group who goes to great lengths in maintaining patrimonial clans within the tribe.  Relationships are based on family and even extend outwards to include the whole tribe.

The Lisu are primarily farmers who settle near the tops of mountains and as close as possible to bodies of water such as ponds, lakes or waterfalls.  Besides the practical reason for this, the Lisu believe that water holds divine powers.

Beginning in the 20th century, some Lisu tribes have converted to Christianity.  However, the majority of Lisu are still Animists and most villages reserve an area for an altar venerating different spirits.  They believe in a single creator (Wu Sa) and that there are numerous spirits (ranging from deceased ancestors to forest spirits) at work in daily life.  Some historians also believe that the Lisu’s concept of vampires may even pre-date the Romanians’.

The Lisu have been able to assimilate today’s modern world into their daily lives.  It is becoming common to see Lisu houses having electricity and television sets.  In fact, some houses are even made of concrete (the majority of homes have dirt floors and bamboo walls).  Despite this, the Lisu still live simple and traditional lives.  Crops are still farmed through conventional methods, although opium poppies are being cultivated much less nowadays for obvious reasons.  Ceremonies and donning of traditional costumes are also as prevalent as before.

The Lisu are easily distinguishable by their colorful and ornate costumes.  Most of their clothes are still hand-made by the tribe’s women.   During events and festivals, the Lisu will wear their best costumes.

During the Lisu New year, girls and boys will try to outshine each other as the best dressed person.  Individuals wearing brightly colored costumes as well as belts, headdresses and jewelry all vie for this recognition.  As with other hilltribes in the area, the New Year is also a time for courtship.  Singles try to out-do each other in an attempt to impress the opposite sex.

Throughout the celebrations, traditional music, dancing and feasting are prevalent.  A few of the village men are appointed as jesters and are responsible to push others if they are slowing down the overall pace of the dance.  This is all done in good nature as arguing and fighting is strictly forbidden during the celebrations.  Foreigners were at first not allowed to take part in the festivals as the celebrations were mainly confined to family, clan and friends.  This has eased a whole lot recently and foreigners are now warmly welcomed to join in the celebrations.

The Lisu New Year is also time for the village to make offerings to the spirits.  The shaman usually leads the procession and offers food and drinks to the spirits at the altar.

Marriage is another important ceremony for the Lisu, taking priority over nearly all other ceremonies.  Large sums are usually spent on both courtship and the marriage, so much so that most of their working hours are spent trying to save for the ceremony, clothing and dowries.  The bride’s father may beg for a dowry not because he is poor, but because of Lisu tradition that places marriage above many other aspects of life.

If you are looking to explore Northern Thailand, Exotissimo recommends a stay at the Lisu Lodge.  Nestled in a green valley and built with traditional design with western comforts, the lodge is the perfect base for adventure in this region where various hilltribes including the Lisu live.  This beautiful lodge is a perfect complement to our Lanna Shan Journey or Real Lanna Experience tours.  Uncover one of the world’s most mysterious countries with The Very Best of Myanmar tour.  Explore the country’s main sites with time to experience the different cultures of the country.  You may also see our Thailand tours or Myanmar tours page for other memorable tours or contact us if you have any questions.