Day 26 - The Limbu Nationality 

Found in the districts of Tehrathum, Dhakuta, Illam, Jhapa, Morang, Taplejung and Panchthar

The origin of the Limbus is uncertain, but it is believed that they migrated from Burma many centuries ago. They speak their own language known as Limbu and are admired for their bravery, fearlessness, and hard work. Their features show them to be a purely mongoloid people, having high cheek bones, small and flat noses, little facial hair, and a short to medium build. More than 90% of them depend on agriculture as their main occupation. Their main crops are: rice, potatoes, com, wheat, barley, and millet. Many of the man join the British Gurkha Army and come back on pension, which helps them to buy alcohol while not having to work. 

The Limbus wear village-style clothing which consists of a wrap around cloth called a lungi with a T-shirt for the women, and a daura-sarwal which is a long wrap around top with tight pants, and a vest for the men. Most Lirnbu people practice monogamy and must marry outside of their clan (family grouping). Marriages are usually arranged by the parents, but love marriages are increasing. 

The Limbus are shamanistic in their religion. Their priests perform rituals, channel spirits, and offer animal sacrifices to appease the gods. There is a belief among the Limbus in a god who is the creator of the universe, but they worship him as a force or energy rather than a personal being. Many Limbus have heard of Jesus through literature distribution or from one on one evangelism, but most of them still do not have a clear understanding of who God is or of what Jesus did for them. 

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