A Romantic Melody in the Moonlight: A Study of Miao's Mar r iage Custom “Tiaoyue”

Tiaoyueis an ancient marriage custom practiced by Miao youth to express love.Although this custom has disappeared in many parts of the country,such love and marriage customs asYoufang、Gan bianbianchangpopular in Guizhou province and its surrounding areas can be seen as modern forms ofTiaoyue.Tiaoyue,as a distinctive marriage custom,is not only an important form for keeping Miao People thriving and maintaining social contact,but also a significant cultural element to keep unity.Together with cultural customs of other ethnic groups,they hopefully constitute the Chinese marriage trend which is colorful、diverse and vigorous.