Tujia Folk Culture in Zhangjiajie
Jibai: Also called "adopting godparents." Tujia people, regardless of whether their child is a boy or girl, like to have them adopted by others, commonly called "making dry kin." The adoption usually takes place before the child turns 12. Before adoption, the child's parents must first propose; only if the other party agrees can it proceed. During the ceremony, the parents bring the child to the godparents' home.
This article has been compiled from historical materials on 'Zhangjiajie Tour Guide Network' (33519.com · Specialty Foods / Cuisine / Customs section). Prices, business hours, administrative divisions, and statistical data mentioned in the text may already be outdated. Before traveling, please refer to the latest announcements from merchants, scenic areas, and local competent authorities; the parts involving folk legends and folk customs are local historical and cultural anecdotes, provided for cultural reference.
Nominal Adoption:
This means "recognizing a nominal godfather and godmother." Tujia people, regardless of whether they have given birth to a boy or a girl, like to have the child nominally adopted by others, commonly called "making nominal in-laws." The age for nominal adoption is generally before the child is 12. Before the adoption, the child's parents must first make the proposal, and only if the other party agrees can the adoption proceed. At the adoption, the child's parents bring the child to the "godfather and godmother's" home. Upon seeing the godfather and godmother, the child must call out to them and kowtow, and must bring very generous gifts (typically cured pork leg, two pairs of new cloth shoes, and other gifts). The godfather and godmother, in turn, must give the child a name (sharing the godfather's surname and named according to his clan's generational characters), and present the child with a set of bowls and chopsticks and a set of clothes, signifying the sharing of a portion of their own "clothing and sustenance" with the child. Thereafter, the two families' adults become like brothers and sisters, and the children likewise, and the godfather's family's children, the godfather and godmother, and even clan members call the child only by his clan name, no longer by his original name.
Sworn Siblings of the Same Age:
A folk social custom of mistaken kinship. That is, two young people of the same sex born in the same year and with a deep friendship become sworn brothers or sisters. Once they become "sworn age-mates," the ceremony is very simple. Either party may first propose on an appropriate occasion; after the other agrees, the two go to the wilderness with offerings, use thatch grass as incense, insert it between them, and bow to each other three times, swearing before heaven and earth vows such as "share blessings together, share hardships together," and it is done. After the ceremony, the two must separately inform their families; after obtaining family permission (which is generally granted), the two become sworn siblings of different surnames. On festivals and New Year, they visit and invite each other, and if either family has matters to attend to, the other will spare no effort to help.
Tujia Grass Marks:
A folk customary practice of marking in Tujia areas. Tujia grass marks mostly carry the meaning of a notice; tied in different places, their meanings differ. For example, a grass mark at a fork in the road indicates that someone has already gone ahead on this path and you may proceed with confidence. A grass mark placed at or in a mountain god shrine indicates respect for the mountain god and earth deity, and carries the meaning of praying to the mountain god and earth deity to protect one's safe journey or one's safety for the day. In a deep, secluded gorge, a grass mark warns you that there are many venomous snakes here, so be careful. A grass mark on a tree branch indicates that this tree may not be cut, or that this area is a closed-off mountain zone. A grass mark at the entrance to a crop field indicates that the crops have not yet been harvested and that this property has an owner—do not touch it carelessly. A grass mark tied at a field's water outlet indicates that the field is currently being flooded and the outlet should not be blocked. A grass mark not far from a hornet's nest indicates that someone has already discovered it and you should not disturb it carelessly, and so on.