252 pages • includes 115 Photos in Full Color
ISBN: 978-0-9801675-8-0
Published by: Robertson Publishing

Wedding Cry Death Dance is based on participatory observations stretched over a period of more than five years. The treatment of the topic is from general to particular. A general introduction of Chinese language and one child policy is given to start with relatively more familiar preconceptions of Chinese culture, prevalent among people outside China. Then the subject matter moves on to the introduction of research locale, enabling the reader to grasp basic demographic picture of the area. Onwards the book systematically reveals the origin, cultural practices and belief system of Tujia people, related to each phase of life. Case studies are also used to complement beliefs. This organization of the book has the potential to engage the reader from the very beginning by starting with the most familiar notions and gradually moving on to specific ethnic group. Contemporary viewpoints are discussed parallel to the findings of the current study.

The Book is divided into three parts.

Part one deals with the most commonly known features of Chinese society: Chinese language and one child policy. Chapter 1 deals with a general overview of Chinese language giving basic understanding of Pin Yin. It introduces the reader to four typically unique tones of Chinese language, demystifying, to some degree, the general notion of an extremely hard language to learn. Chapter 2 deals with the reality of one child policy. It uncovers the reality behind the observance of policy. It also describes the exceptions to the rule, which go a long way, in making it possible for a large majority to have more children.

Part two deals with life in Xuan’en and research area in Hubei province. Starting from the demographic profile of Xuan’en town, it discusses traditional architecture of Xuan’en: its manifestations and interpretations. An understanding of architectural symbols of Xuan’en will give readers a very deep insight into local culture as a whole. It further explores specialties of Xuan’en town. These specialties make Xuan’en a unique town, worth visiting. Xuan’en Green Tea is historically considered an imperial variety. This book gives stepwise journey of tea leaves from hand picking through processing to the market. Chrysanthemum Stone is found in very few places in China and Xuan’en is one of them. An overview of chrysanthemum product’s manufacturing process is given in this chapter. Salamander is a protected species but it is very often served by restaurants and hotels at a very high price. Salamander farming is also a unique feature of Xuan’en. Special acupressure exercises are widely used in this area. A special break of 30 minutes is delegated to these exercises in schools. Finding it an interesting and important feature as a regular practice, this chapter gives some insight into various acupressure techniques.

Finally part three features exclusive research on Tujia life style. Demographic profile of Peng Jia Village, is followed by detailed account of Tujia Rites of passage. Starting from coming to this world, through social and cultural encounters on to bidding farewell to the world, a series of cultural practices and allied taboos are observed. Most palpable are the ones associated with wedding cry, death cry and funeral dances. These practices and related rituals make life multidimensional since these activities/ceremonies are considered multi utilitarian by the locals. Small details like handling over red bags on the new year and Tujia specific precautions coupled with pregnancy and child birth are given due importance. Do’s and Don’ts of these rites are an integral part of each chapter. This chapter details unique variations in Tujia practices which make them a separate ethnic identity.

Tujia festivals are unique. This chapter gives insight into the fine distinction of Tujia practices in relation to Chinese majority culture. There is a parallel trail of Tujia festival which coincides with Han Chinese festivals, quite unknown to the world outside China. Quite often, special traditional foods are associated with these festivals. This chapter also provides details of those interesting and distinguishing Tujia festivals and foods.

Based on the fact that a belief system is best understood in the context of actual practices and local perspective of the logic behind it. Tujia beliefs are described as they are understood and observed by the present day practitioners. The topic covers most frequently mentioned eight Tuija gods, their origin, significance and contribution during one’s course of life as well as rarely mentioned 'Eight Brothers'. Some additional deities are also detailed.