Wedding Cry ~ Death Dance : An Insight into Chinese Culture: an Ethnographic Study of Xuan'en, Hubei with Special Emphasis on Tujia Rites of Passage

Wedding Cry Death Dance is based on participatory observations stretched over a period of more than five years. The treatment of the topic is from general to particular. A general introduction of Chinese language and one child policy is given to start with relatively more familiar preconceptions of Chinese culture, prevalent among people outside China. Then the subject matter moves on to the introduction of research locale, enabling the reader to grasp basic demographic picture of the area. Onwards the book systematically reveals the origin, cultural practices and belief system of Tujia people, related to each phase of life. Case studies are also used to complement beliefs. This organization of the book has the potential to engage the reader from the very beginning by starting with the most familiar notions and gradually moving on to specific ethnic group. Contemporary viewpoints are discussed parallel to the findings of the current study. Wedding Cry Death Dance would tempt everyone to whom Chinese culture appears to be mysterious, fascinating and unapproachable. Most importantly it can serve as a valuable source of information for the visitors to China and Students of Cultural Studies, who are interested in exploring China beyond Beijing.