Han Chinese, Cantonese in Curacao

Introduction / History

Although the Cantonese today proudly consider themselves part of the Han Chinese, one ethnohistorian has concluded, "The ethnic origins of the ancient Yue people ... may have been Tai, but with a sizable Miao-Yao minority in the hills. The ancient Yue language was definitely not Sinitic. It is estimated that the population of Guangdong was less than 30 percent Sinitic in 1080."

The over 30 Han Chinese language groups consist of mutually unintelligible languages. They are not simply dialects of a single language. Cantonese has up to nine tones; Mandarin has only four. Despite speaking different languages and dialects, they all use the same script.

Through the centuries, Cantonese speakers, along with other Han Chinese groups, migrated to just about every country in the world, even tiny Curacao.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Cantonese is among the world s favorite styles of Chinese cuisine. There are many Chinese restaurants in Curacao that feature Cantonese dishes. Many have small shops like they do in other countries.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Throughout the Communist era the Cantonese have continued to be the most openly religious of all Chinese. Most homes have spirit altars. The Cantonese also zealously observe Daoist and Buddhist festivals.

However, they have a Christian presence, even in Curacao.

What Are Their Needs?

Cantonese Chinese in Curacao need spiritual hunger. As it stands, they settle for doing rituals, etc. to please spiritual forces when they can have a loving relationship with God the Father.

Prayer Points

Pray for spiritual hunger among Curacao s Chinese population.
Pray that soon Cantonese speakers will disciple others throughout the Caribbean.
Pray for the Lord to show himself powerful and loving to Cantonese speakers.

Text Source:   Joshua Project