Marriage Custom of Youyang Tujia People

Visitors both at home and from abroad will be stunned and attracted by the mysterious and interesting marriage custom of Chongqing Youyang Tujia people. On hearing that the go-betweens in Youyang Tujia nationality are the leaves, all the visitors put on an astonished and curious look.

Origin of Marriage Custom of Youyang Tujia People

"Using the leaves as the go-betweens" is an old marriage custom created by the ancestors of Youyang Tujia people passed down from generation to generation. The ancestors of Youyang Tujia people had already known the human eugenics. They lived in the ravines where the miasma is quite heavy and the living surroundings are quite harsh. If they wanted to survive, they must have robust bodies, strong wills and optimistic spirits.

So the forefathers of Tujia people were quite positive and active, good at singing and dancing. Interestingly, they tested the survival skills and abilities of their offspring by a small leave, exposing them to the natural selection. If the young men can produce beautiful sound by the small leaves, they will be favored by the girls. Otherwise, they will fail to start a family and will be knocked out. Therefore, whether a young man can produce beautiful music with the leaves becomes a standard for the Tujia girls to choose their husbands.

Importance of Small Leaves in the Marriage Custom of Youyang Tujia People

To make pleasant sounds with the small leaves is similar to play the flutes or suona horns. It asks for great skills to control the breath and strong musical sense. It also requires full energy and high spirits. So making pleasant sounds with the small leaves is reflection of robust bodies, full energy, strong musical sense and clever minds. These who can produce beautiful music with the leaves will become favored by the Tujia girls. So the small leaves are quite vital in the marriage custom of Youyang Tujia people.