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2003.3
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WORDLESS LOVE LETTER
-Affection and Costume
Article by Deng Qiyao

  Perhaps, it is the most brilliant time for young people entering marriageable age. The Chinese minority women, in particular, make themselves up with diligent care. Beautiful costume is a showcase of young ladies for both theirhardworking and cleverness, and at the same time it unveils their love and marriage status. For example, if you are familiar with habit of Hani ethnic group living in Yunnan Province, just with oneglance, you could tell her situation and role accurately. If she wears an ornament called “ouqiuqiu” behind her head, it indicates she is 17 years of ago. A man can pay court to her. If she has temples, it means that she is 18, an age for marriage. If she wraps the “ouqiuqiu” in a piece of black cloth it tells that she is married; don’t interrupt, please.


Photo  by Qu Yingxiang
The head ornaments of Aini girls. Photo  by Li Xiaoqin