The Miao hundred bird coat, originally worn on major occasions to worship ancestors, is now festival attire. The coat is big and loose with no collar. Hundreds of birds and dragons are embroidered on the front and back. It is made of 7-10 strips of bands with embroidered patterns of frogs, dragons, birds, butterflies and insects, symbols of the Miao's mystic culture. Silver ornaments make up an important part of Miao dress.
Silver is believed by Miao people to be the symbol of light which can dispel evil spirits.
When bathing a new born baby, parents often put a piece of silver into the water to act as a blessing for the baby's future. Miao families also dress up their daughters with silver ornaments. During some occasions, silver worn by young women in their best clothes weighs more than 10 kilograms. Miao girls begin to learn weaving, embroidery and cross stitching from the early age of 6 or 7. A girl often pours great energy into making an embroidered dress.