The Yao culture is based on the village, which is always composed of but one sub-group of the Yao.  Some exceptions have been seen, such as in Thailand, but almost always, all families of a village will reflect the culture, beliefs and costume of a single Yao clan and subgroup.  The village is led by a headman, elders and priests.  The society is patriarchal and patrilineal.  In other words, family descent is considered to be through the father's line.  Each family has the right to form an independent economic unit, and the Yao are noted for being hard-working.  But important decisions are made at the village level and all families adhere to them.Their unique customs act as a bond within their communities, giving them a sense of belonging and place.  Great effort is devoted to maintaining harmony.

Marriages are arranged, and must follow a complicated system of traditions and rules.  Weddings involve a contract between two families, and a go-between is used to iron out the details.  Spirits must be consulted, and the groom's family must offer a suitable bride price.  Yao wedding customs dictate a three-day ceremony.  Several priests are involved to perform sacrifices of pigs and chickens.  Sometimes as many as 200 guests are fed for this entire time, which is quite expensive.  A "small wedding" of one day has developed to reduce expenses, and is sometimes chosen. 

Funerals are extremely important ceremonies to the Yao.  Aspects of animism, ancestor worship and Taoism can be seen in the care which is taken to see that the soul of the departed is ushered safely to the Heavenly place of the ancestors.  The actual burial is less involved and is more of a private affair without Taoist trappings. 

The Yao have adopted many Chinese customs and traditions, such as Taoism, astrology, geomancy, lunar years and Chinese characters.  They practice thanksgiving ceremonies, and initiation or "coming of age" ceremonies for both boys and girls.

When giving birth, Yao mothers adopt a seated position, and partly support themselves from a rope or belt tied above them.  As with all other parts of life, detailed rules govern every detail.  A boy is given a name immediately after being born, but a girl is given a number and named later.