The Manchu People

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

Looks like you are ready to discover more about the Manchu, but before digging into this topic, revisit the trivia question.

The Manchu people of northeastern China are sometimes referred to as:

• the red-tasseled Manchus
• the flower tassel people
• people with tassels

If you chose the first option, then give yourself a pat on the back because you are exactly right. The Manchu people are sometimes referred to as "the red-tasseled Manchus."

• Can you guess why?

If you need a hint, take a look at the picture of the woman below.

• What do you observe?

The woman in the picture is wearing a very elaborate headpiece that has two tassels at the sides. This is an example of a traditional hat sometimes worn by Manchu women. The tassels like the ones pictured are why the Manchu were called "the red-tasseled Manchus."

• Can you think about another culture whose traditions included special head wear?

Now, before you move on with this lesson, take a minute or two to look at the list of words below.

• ethnicity
• minority
• dynasty
• multi-cultural
• populous

• Do any of these words sound familiar?
• Can you guess the meanings?

You will encounter these words throughout this lesson, so take some time to familiarize yourself with their pronunciations and definitions using this interactive. Say each word out loud and try making a sentence with the word.

• Are you ready to move on?

Excellent! There is so much more to discover about the Manchu; but first, let's figure out what part of the world the Manchu first settled.

Take a look at the map below. It shows where China is located. Early Manchu settlers lived in northeastern China and other surrounding areas of eastern Asia. China is a very populous country with many ethnic groups.

For more than two-hundred and fifty years, the Manchu ruled ancient China and established the last known Chinese dynasty: the Qing Dynasty. The Qing Dynasty was a very powerful multi-cultural society.

Today, the area in which the Manchu once ruled is commonly known as Manchuria.

The following interactive will help you become further acquainted with this ethnic group.

When you are done reviewing the interactive, consider the following questions.

• Why do you think the early Manchu people settled in this part of China?
• What are some of the challenges you think they faced living in such a mountainous area?
• Why do you think they raised silkworms?

Move on to Got It? when you are ready.