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Mosuo: A Mysterious Matriarchal Group in China
At this point, the cremation rite comes to an end. Only those who died of
natural causes can be cremated; the others cannot be buried in "Grave Mountain".
 Unique Dietetic Style
 Like many other minorities, Mosuo people also enjoy a
unique dietetic style.
The Mosuo people have rice and corn as their staple food, together with
highland barley and yams. In the summer and autumn, they like to eat fresh
vegetables, such as greens, radishes, etc. In the winter and spring, they enjoy
pickles, dried turnips, kippers and preserved hams. They also make "guan zhu
jiao"(pig's feet), sausage and "mi guan chang"(sausage with rice).
Before a formal meal, the Mosuo people like to drink butter tea. They are also
very fond of "su li ma
ji u "(a corn spirit).
 There are about 10-20 people on average in a Mosuo family
home, where everyone shares the food. While they share the staple foods,
vegetables are distributed according to everybody's appetite. When having meat
or rare dishes, a ration is reserved for those not present. When handing out
dishes, Mosuo people serve the elders first and then the young as a sign of
respect. The only exception occurs on New Year's Eve when women put plenty of
delicious foods around the fire pit. Then, the entire family sits around the
fire and helps themselves.
One of their most typical Mosuo foods is
zhu piao rou (pig fat). The Mosuo like
this particular dish because pig fat symbolizes riches and affluence. They
remove all of the bones from a whole pig, except the skull, and then add all
kinds of seasonings. Then, they sew it into the shape of a lute. The dish is
prepared in winter and can keep for several years. The meat has a pleasant aroma
and is said to taste better than ham because it is fatty but not greasy. When
preserved for a longer time, it can also be used as medicine.
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There are about 10-20 people on average in a Mosuo family
home, where everyone shares the food. While they share the staple foods,
vegetables are distributed according to everybody's appetite. When having meat
or rare dishes, a ration is reserved for those not present. When handing out
dishes, Mosuo people serve the elders first and then the young as a sign of
respect. The only exception occurs on New Year's Eve when women put plenty of
delicious foods around the fire pit. Then, the entire family sits around the
fire and helps themselves. 
