Miao's Best: Silver Jewels And Courting Festival
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As modern cities proliferate like ants across China, a more traditional way of living is rapidly dying out in the country. Gone with it were the unique, and fabulous customs that had once defined the country.
However, in the heartland of southwestern China, a region locked by lofty mountains and torrential rivers, the ethnic minority group of Miao keeps the last treasure trove of China's ancientry.
And for tourists in search of an more traditional China, the places make a perfect choice. In the areas, some ancient courting customs still lives.
One fine example is the rice meal courting festival.
The yearly Sister's Rice Festival each March is dedicated by the Miao to this tradition. It is specifically designed to encourage new relationships amongst the single youths of the tribes.
On the early morning of the day, girls elaborately clad and boys nicely uniformed gather at what the Miaos call the 'choosing a lover ground' for the big celebration. Elderly folks in dark robes beat a large bronze drum to give the starting signal. As spectators quiet down, the boys sound their Lusheng, a traditional Miao wind pipe, and lead the girls through a delicate, shuffling dance of graceful bows and dainty hops.
Although the mood is gay, girls never lose their aim: to attract a suitable partner in the festival. If a boy's looks and dancing skills make her heart palpitate, she, as the tradition dictates, ties a flower ribbon to his Lusheng or places it around his neck.
A pair of chopsticks in the rice is a sincere wish that the two can make a happy couple. A small cotton ball implies that she is waiting him for a marriage proposal. A bamboo hook communicates that she is interested in keeping a frequent contact with him. A tuft of pine needles indicates that she welcomes some crewel needles for a piece of embroidery work she is specially making for him.
The next day, the girl returns the parcel once again. What is exciting about the parcel is the small tokens of love tucked inside. A pair of chopsticks is a sincere wish that the girl hopes the two can make a happy couple. A small cotton ball makes a sign of her missing him every day. A bamboo hook indicates she looks forward to a frequent contact with him.
The boys then take the next move based on the messages conveyed.
Article Source: Articlelogy.com
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