The courtship and wedding of the Li people are very special. In accordance with the Li custom, girls will move out of their parents' house when they reach the age of sixteen, and live alone in a boudoir not far from their parents. Most boudoirs are thatched hut with a big bed in it. Girls start finding mates for them after moving in the boudoirs.

Young men are free to go into the boudoirs to chat and play with the girls. If the girl likes the young man, she will asks him to stay for the night in the boudoir. On the other hand, if she does not like him, she will ask him to leave. Once the free love relationship is consummated in the boudoir, the young man's parents will go to the girl's home to make the proposal formally.

They often take with them some clothes and betel that girls like. Betel is the most important gifts for making the proposal. The girl's family may be dissatisfied with too little betel. It is very joyous and festive when the wedding is formally held.

There are various activities. The bridesmaid and the best man sing chant love songs in answer to one another. The young couple drinks blessing wine in the joyous atmosphere. And there is also the procedure of "teasing the bride" in a variety of ways. The people in the whole villages prepare pork and mutton to help celebrate.

Go to Forum >>0 Comments