"Left side belongs to husband, so touch only the right"... Ethnic minority women greet by touching breasts

Ethnic Minority 'Yiche' Living in China's Yunnan Province
During Festival, Women Consent to Greeting by Touching Breasts

"The left breast belongs to the husband, the right breast belongs to the whole world"

The Yi ethnic minority in China is attracting global attention with its open culture and unique traditions, among which their distinctive greeting method is particularly eye-catching.

A couple from the Iche tribe is having a conversation in the field. Photo by SCMP

The annual 'Guniang Festival' represents the Yi people's open culture. According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP) on the 27th, during this festival, young women seek spouses through singing and dancing in the mountains. A unique greeting custom where men are allowed to touch women's breasts with their consent is also permitted during this time. For unmarried women, men can freely touch both breasts. However, for married women, only the right breast can be touched. There is a famous local proverb: "The left breast belongs to the husband, the right breast belongs to the whole world."

The marriage culture is also unusual. Girls are betrothed just weeks after birth, but free dating is allowed as they grow up. At age 14, they can meet their lovers in a separate space called the 'earplug room,' and if they wish to marry their lover, they can break off the existing engagement. Additionally, Yi women can marry multiple times throughout their lives. Interestingly, the bride price doubles with each remarriage. There is even a saying: "The more times a Yi woman marries, the wealthier she becomes." After marriage, Yi women are allowed to maintain open relationships until they have children and can even bring their lovers home. However, after giving birth, such behavior is strictly prohibited, and violations result in severe punishment, including expulsion from the clan.

Women from the Icheok tribe are showing off their strong legs, demonstrating their labor power and healthy beauty. Photo by SCMP

The women's clothing is also distinctive. Yi women were the first in China to wear mini shorts. The custom-made black or navy shorts are part of the traditional attire, worn with a pointed white cloth hat and a navy top. The wearing of mini shorts by Yi women has practical significance. It is convenient for farming in mountainous areas and also serves to showcase strong legs, symbolizing women's labor power and healthy beauty.

Meanwhile, the Yi ethnic group, residing in Yunnan Province, China, numbers about 20,000 people and is considered one of the oldest ethnic groups in China.