The ethnic history of Hmong, Yao, and Lahu is relatively similar in that the ethnic groups originated from Yunnan Province, China, before migrating to Siam. Therefore, their cultures, traditions, dress, marriage ceremonies, spoken languages, and settlements are similar to those of the Chinese. They settle in high mountains and their houses are built in such a way that they can be relocated easily. They are involved in agriculture, growing highland rice and vegetables as well as raising livestock for domestic consumption, sale, and barter with lowlanders. To cure sicknesses, animistic rituals are conducted by slaughtering pigs and chickens to appease forest spirits, so that they would heal particular kinds of illness.