The Mien likely originated from southern China about 2,000 years ago via Hainan, Guangxi and adjoining provinces. They were referred to by the Chinese as "barbarians", which is reflected in their name. These tribal peoples are the only ones to have a written language, Chinese. In recent years, both a Romanized and Thai-based script have been added by Western missionaries.

These peoples have a series of ancient writings which organize their day to day living and include items such as worship and medicine. A series of pamphlets have been devised over the centuries to help their groups become accustomed to their environment and the people they have lived beside.

More is known and understood of the Mien because of their written language, hence their history is more readably available to both scholars and students of Asian Culture. From such rich chronicles we have been able to save the legend of the Mien's beginnings.

The Emperor Pien Hung of China, was attacked by the very powerful Emperor Kao Want and faced defeat. The dog, Phan Hu, was able to get through the lines, kill the aggressor, and bring Kao Wang's head back to the Emperor Pien Hung. Phan Hu was rewarded with one of Pien Hung's daughters as a wife, whom he took up to the mountains to live with him. They produced 12 children, six boys and six girls, from whom sprung the 12 clans of the Mien as we know them today. Or so the legend goes.

• TRADITIONAL LOCATION(S): Northeastern Borderlands, some villages located south to Nann, west to Chiangrai
• Major Tribal Divisions: Only clan names within the villages; clan membership carried by the male line only
• POPULATION: (1992) est. Approx. 40,000 settled in villages not counting refugee camps on the borders
• LANGUAGE(S): Miao-Yao, related to the Sino-Tibetan with many words coming from Chinese
• FAMILY GROUP: Huge Extended Family; not unusual for 20 or more members per household.
• RELIGION: Interrelated system of Spirits and Taoist teachings (from China).
• VILLAGE SETTLEMENTS: Mid-slope areas, near water source. Ill defined village areas, no gates.
  

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