Naxi People: Groom let in after the matchmaker wins
BY LIU JIATONG and DUAN JIANXIN
Editors notes: Yunnans diverse living environment and cultural deposits have contributed to the evolution of a great variety of marriage customs. From marriage customs of various ethnic groups, we can feel the charm of Yunnan culture. Today, we introduce u to the Naxi wedding custom.
On weddings of Naxi people, the groom can only enter the home of the bride if his matchmaker can overcome various challenges including a singing battle. In addition, Naxi people tie the couples hands together as a symbol of getting married.
The day before the wedding, the groom will come to the home of his beloved with a big bride-escorting team in the early morning. However, the gate of the brides house isnt easily opened. The groom and his team will be allowed in only when the matchmaker overcomes all the challenges brought by the Naxi priest on the brides side, including singing songs. Matchmakers of Naxi Ethnic Group are of many accomplishments. Not only did they act as go-betweens, but they are seasoned in the marriage singing battles, in which the songs must be traditional ones.
When the groom is finally let in, the escorting team will put all the gifts for the bridges family in the courtyard. If the family is satisfied, they will be moved into the warehouse. And then wine will be served.
On the wedding day, the Naxi priest will tie the couples hands together with a red string, indicating that their souls are bound together and can never be separated. Finally, the Naxi priest will write their names on a piece of Dongba paper as symbol of marriage and handed it to them.
The next morning, the brides mother will make some desserts for her daughter who will also receive gifts from her friends and relatives. As the newlyweds leave for the grooms home, the bride s relatives and friends will send representatives to join the escorting team and accompany the bride to the grooms home. (Daguan Weekly )
