Shui script is also known as "reverse script".  The structure of some words is opposite to traditional Chinese. Some of the images used in the pictographs are also negative. More interesting, Shui people have their own 12-month calendar. Yet the eighth month of the traditional Chinese lunar calendar is considered the end of the year in the Shui calendar and the ninth month as the beginning of the year.

 Shui scripts masters

Most Shui people learn the Shui language orally from their parents, without understanding the Shui scripts or learning how to write them. Those who do understand the scripts are known as Shui scripts masters, who are believed to be able to communicate with supernatural spirits. On certain occasions, such as weddings, funerals and sacrificial ceremonies, Shui masters will lead the local villagers in the ceremonies according to the traditions recorded in the books.

Sixty-year-old Meng Xi is one such Shui scripts master. From his appearance, he is more like a wise teacher, rather than a master who is believed to be able to communicate with the supernatural. Meng started to learn Shui scripts from his father in 1957. He says not everybody has the chance or would like to learn the Shui scripts, as they are passed down within certain families, from father to son only. The books are all hand-written, and must be kept away from women. On the other hand, Shui people believe that because masters can read the intentions of supernatural spirits, they themselves are being watched all the time. They have to serve the villagers whenever they are needed, and are not allowed to ask for fees. Villagers usually pay the masters a very tiny amount of compensation, usually below 5 yuan. As a result, there are fewer and fewer Shui script masters left nowadays, endangering their continued use.

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