The Mosuo have a unique social structure that has largely withstood the influence of Han culture. In a matriarchal society such as the Mosuo, women are free to choose new lovers at any time and indicate that they are ready for one, by leaving a light on in their room at night. Men who choose to sleep with her return to their mother's household the next morning. In their own home, women have their own private bedroom, whereas the other members of the house sleep communally in the main room of the house, so the woman has her own private entrance where her lover may come and go unnoticed.
It is considered poor taste to ever discuss a woman's love interests in public, so her choice of lover is not up for discussion. The children are reared by their mother and her brother, and although they may know who their actual father is, he may or may not play a part in the affairs of his children's household. It is the men's responsibility to care for their mother, in the house where they were raised.
Despite their simple standard of living, households are really well-run, with one of the main benefits being that there is great stability for the children, who enjoy the continuous care of the mother and a father figure, no matter who the woman is physically involved with at the time.
8 Comments
budzosFuck that!
gluoniumI saw this on pbs I think. amazing. It is notable that the buddhist monk, when asked at the end how he feels about his religion becoming totally irrelevant, just ignores the question, recognizing the answer would be conceited and instead makes an entirely rational appeal for happiness and peace in the home. You won't get that from any of the self-aggrandizing monotheisms.
persephoneYou're assuming the monk thinks like you, Glu. He could also be ignoring the question because, since he recognises that with more and more exposure to Han culture, his religion could indeed become obsolete and that it makes sense, as you observed, to focus on the positive aspect of his culture, which is that peace and harmony is valued and nurtured within a unique family structure.
These people are not monotheists, but they are deeply spiritual and the rituals they perform at all the important milestones in life, like births and naming ceremonies, coming of age ceremonies and wakes, have played a huge part in shaping their amazing culture.
gluoniumhappy gold star! *promote
siftbotRe-promoting this video to the front page as a VideoSift Classic. Originally published on Sunday 20th May 2007 (promotion called by gold star member gluonium)
choggieYayyyyy! A window into the collective unconscious past......
persephone*femme
siftbotAdding video to channels (Femme) - requested by persephone.
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