Etiquette taboos of Mosuo people

Adult ceremony is one of the most important ceremonies in Mosuo people's life. Mosuo 13 years old is considered as an adult. Women wear skirts and men wear pants. Children who have not been brought into adulthood are all dressed in linen robes, and the clothes of men and women will be different when they grow up. Adults are eligible for marriage, but generally 16 years old to get married. Many Mosuo men and women even put off their first marriage until they are 20 years old.

Get ready the night before the ceremony, and adults will play with their friends all night. When the rooster crows, the ceremony begins. And a ceremony to thank the dog.

The ceremony was presided over by mother or uncle. If the mother has died or has no uncle, the time for the bar mitzvah must be decided by asking Daba (a wizard) for divination. Mosuo people have shy taboos, mainly seen in Yongning Mosuo. For example, never mention any words related to sex in front of the fireplace or relatives, or even mention Mosuo words such as Asha, Azhu, Chu Wei, Khan Chuba, pregnancy, inheritance and divorce. Otherwise, it will embarrass the other party, and it is also a disrespect for the elderly. Moreover, the word "Ada" can't be mentioned in front of other maternal relatives, because it implies that the sexual relationship between mother and father will embarrass mother.

Shy culture is a way to avoid incest and maintain the stability and harmony of matriarchal families.

Ninglang Mosuo is located in Han and Yi areas and has never been married. He is also called "A Bo" by his father, and he is not shy or embarrassed.