When Mosuo children reach 13 years of age they go through a special adult ceremony.

According to Mosuo legend, in ancient times mankind and animals living in the area never died. As time passed, the number of men and animals became so great that there wasn't enough space for them. As a result, a god decided that there should be an age limit for everyone and everything. He then told all of mankind and the animals to listen to his judgment, which would determine how long each of them had to live.

One night, the god shouted, "1,000 years," which was only heard by wild geese; then he cried out, "100 years", which only the ducks heard; and when he said "60 years", only dogs responded by barking. But only when he uttered "13 years" did mankind awake from their dreams. But they were unhappy with the brevity of their lives and pleaded with the god to give them more time. Having agreed to this, he discussed it with the dogs to see if they would swap their lifespan with mankind. The dogs reluctantly agreed on the condition that mankind would provide them with food. To mark this turning point in man's life, the Mosuo people regard 13 years of age as the beginning of a new life.

When Mosuo children reach 13 years of age, they go through a special adult ceremony where they become adults. The ceremony is always held on New Year's Day. On this special morning, the mother helps her girls put on beautiful new dresses and jewels while the uncle helps the boys put on their new clothes and waist knives. During the ceremony, girls stand on the right side of the campfire while the boys stand on the left. They put one foot on a piece of pig's fat and the other on a bag of rice (symbols for a rich life). Then they bow to the elders, each of whom gives them a gift. At last, the bada (shaman) will drink a toast to the children. Then the bada says: "Today is a good day. The sun is nice, the moon is nice, the stars are nice, and everything is nice. You put on the skirts/trousers, may you living a long life and having plenty of food and clothing ..."

After the ceremony, the boys and girls are permitted to attend all adult activities. After 15 years they can meet their lovers.

 Cremation of the Mosuo

Mosuo tribe funerals are unique since their rituals and ceremonies are a product of their primitive religions and Lamaism (Yellow Hat Lamaism -- largest sect of Tibetan Lamaism).

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