Becoming adults after the New Year
Then the "wizard" prays to the ancestors and hearth god. Next the uncle takes
the long gown off the boy, and puts the jacket and trousers with a waistband on
him. Like his female counterpart, the boy also kowtows to the hearth god and his
other relatives; he also toast to his friends and other relations, who usually
present him a sheep to wish him safety and auspiciousness.
The parents then hold large-scale feasts to serve the attendants of their
children's adult ceremonies. They give each guest a bowl of bone soup, a piece
of meat and a pig's heart and liver, symbolizing they are as closely linked as
flesh and blood. After the banquet, the ceremony is over.
After the ceremony, the girls and boys are viewed as adults and can take part
in labor work and social activities, being formal family members.
(Author: Jeff)
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