Drinking customs among ethnic minority groups of China
By admin on 2014-12-26

In areas with ethnic minority populations, home drinking is in most cases carried out by the fireplace. It seems that the seating arrangement for the drinking is a life tradition. Actually, it is a mirror of moral values, social structures and human relations of various nationalities in a deep sense. At the same time, it reflects the social and culture differences between different nationalities. 

For nationalities among which patriarchy is entrenched, when drinking by the fireplace, the eldest son of a family is expected to pour the wine into cups, with the first cup being presented to an elderly man and the second to an elderly woman. The cups of those of the same generation are filled up in the order of their seniority. When a guest is present, the first-time wine pouring is carried out by a male elderly. After filling up the guest’s cup, the elderly man gives the pot to the eldest son of the family, who will fill up other cups in proper order.

Before drinking the wine, you should toast the guest or the elderly. Drinking by the fireplace puts stress on a sweet, warm and harmonious atmosphere. The first person to propose a toast should look at the elderly before looking around at all people present, saying: “let’s drink!” This is a way of showing respect and extending an invitation, as well. While drinking, you can clink glasses and don’t have to empty your cup. How much you drink is completely up to you.  

For the Lisu, Nu, and Dulong ethnic minority groups, in the course of drinking by the fireplace, they are not quite restricted by ritualistic formalities, just trying to create a relaxed, happy and lively atmosphere, excepting that dirty words are strictly forbidden.