For Miao ethnic group in the southwest region, it is the "Pure Brightness Cone" for their ancestors. A single cone is for parents; two for grandparents; and three for ancestors from great grandparents and up. A bamboo pole goes through the cone with every layer reaching out to the sky. There are three segments above the top layer, carrying three branches and three flowers on each segment pointing in
different directions, a total of nine branches and nine flowers. On the very top is a large white flower with colorful ribbon pendants to carry money. The Pure Brightness Cone symbolizes the origin of life, and the branches and flowers are the tree of life.
