Legend
has it that there was once a beautiful land in China called Li Chang, where
lovers never married. They changed partners when they wanted to. But a cruel
Chinese emperor changed all that and forbade these relationships. Arranged marriages
became the norm and there were many lovers’ suicides. In this fascinating documentary filmed in Mosuo Province near the Tibetan border, we learn about a matriarchal society that seems to echo many aspects of the legendary Li Chang. There are no fathers, husbands or marriages in Mosuo society. Uncles take care of their sisters’ children and act as the fathers of these children. Brothers and sisters live together all their lives in their mothers’ homes. The women do all the work, including physical labor and are the bread-winners in their families. They are expected to establish harmonious households. Women are usually courted by men from miles away, who come for conjugal "visits."
This colorful film also goes on to show how change is now coming to Mosuo Province. Mosuo has only been open since 1990. The first CD player and TV set have created a "mini-revolution", with dances and parties being held. The women of the village now go to a market by bus, where they are learning to shop. And the first school opened two years ago. Change is indeed on its way; the Mosuo may lose their traditions.
