Mizo in Myanmar (Burma)
Photo Source:
Gerald Roberts
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Map Source:
People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project.
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| People Name: | Mizo |
| Country: | Myanmar (Burma) |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 19,000 |
| World Population: | 165,000 |
| Primary Language: | Mizo |
| Primary Religion: | Christianity |
| Christian Adherents: | 90.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 45.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South Asia Tribal - other |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
Mizos are defined by their language, by the same name, and their location. Mizoram, their state, is named after them.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Though subsistence farming is still prevalent among the Mizos, many are now using modern farming techniques. The more fortunate ones have government jobs. Urbanization is making modern medicine and education available. Mizoram is one of India’s most highly literate states.
Most live in close-knit nuclear families. One thing that is unusual about the Mizos is that the youngest rather than the oldest son gets the family inheritance. Most likely, older sons relocate to urban centers. There are bride prices and courtship rituals before a marriage. Their marriages are between one man and one woman, but divorce is common.
Their festivals are usually about the yearly farming cycle. They include Chapchar Kut every March. This celebration happens after they have finished clearing forest land for farms and it involves feasts, dancing, and music. Each September, they invite tourists to join them in the Anthurium Festival, which involves flower cultivation. Like other Christianized peoples, the Mizos celebrate Christmas and Easter.
They love sports, singing, and music. Guitars and drums are prominent instruments.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Though most are Protestant, marginal Christianity is common among the Mizos.
What Are Their Needs?
Mizos are leaving the farms for urban areas; this is a mixed blessing. Those in cities have access to better education and medical care, but they are losing their culture.
Prayer Points
Pray for hundreds to be raised up with a defiant faith in Christ, one that will not be shaken no matter what comes their way.
Pray for God to bring about his purpose for the Mizo people.
Pray for Christians to have love, joy, peace, and patience as they tell others about the King of kings.
Pray for a mighty Holy Spirit revival to permeate their families and churches, drawing them into greater love for God and for their neighbors.