Tujia Valentine's Day Traditions

Every year on the 12th day of the lunar calendar's seventh month, the Tujia people celebrate the Daughter's Festival. This traditional festival is a romantic occasion where young men and women come together, hoping to find their dream partners.

 

Celebration and Customs

Young People's Gathering:On this day, young men and women leave their homes to attend the festival, searching for love. The festival is marked by singing traditional love songs, such as "Longing for the Lover" and "Ten Loves," which are used to express affection and courtship.

Song and Dance:The Tujia women, dressed in their finest festival attire, sing and dance in the woods, surrounded by nature. Their songs and performances create a romantic atmosphere, drawing young men to join in and respond with their own songs.

 

Gifts and Tokens

Couples exchange gifts to symbolize their commitment. Men might give rings, ivory combs, or embroidered needles, while women might offer blue cloth shoes, embroidered socks, or embroidered pouches.

 

Customary Activities

Singing Matches: The festival features singing competitions where young couples express their feelings through songs. These exchanges often take place in the forest, away from the main gathering, enhancing the romantic setting.

Tug-of-War and Marriage Proposals: Men compete in tug-of-war to win the affection of their desired partner, showcasing their strength and determination. Successful suitors are often invited to formal ceremonies or “marriage tests” to prove their worth.

 

Crying Marriage Rituals

 

Pre-Wedding Customs

Preparation: The night before the wedding, the bride undergoes traditional beauty rituals, including removing facial hair and styling her hair with a jade hairpin. This is known as “Shang Tou” or "Head Dressing."

Pre-Wedding Feast

The bride's friends and family host a farewell feast, singing and dancing to express their joy and sadness at her departure. The groom’s family prepares gifts for the bride’s family, marking the exchange of dowries and wedding preparations.

 

Crying Marriage

Emotional Farewell: The “Crying Marriage” is a poignant ritual where the bride, along with her family and friends, weeps as she prepares to leave her home. The crying reflects her feelings of gratitude, nostalgia, and farewell.

Ceremony:After the wedding ceremony, the groom carries the bride into the bridal chamber, a practice known as “Carrying the Bride.” Three days later, the couple visits the bride’s family to pay respects and present gifts.

 

Cultural Significance

The Daughter's Festival and Crying Marriage are integral to Tujia culture, reflecting their deep emotions, traditions, and values. These practices not only celebrate love and commitment but also preserve the rich heritage of the Tujia people. Through these unique customs, the Tujia people honor their past while embracing the future.