The Tujia ethnic group, known for its warm hospitality, has had the traditional virtue of “no one is welcome to stay overnight without food” since ancient times. Whenever a distinguished guest arrives at their door, the Tujia people will greet them with the most solemn etiquette – if conditions permit, they will set off deafening iron cannons with a thunderous roar, announcing the arrival of the guest. If the iron cannon is not prepared, the roar of the hunting rifle is also a substitute for enthusiasm, summoning the whole village, young and old, to gather together and welcome this glorious moment.
The host immediately became busy, simmering hot tea, preparing a pipe, and meticulously preparing the unique drink of the Qi Tu family – oil tea soup. The production process of this oil tea soup is extremely exquisite. Ingredients such as tea leaves, vermicelli, and soybeans need to be fried until crispy, then carefully cooked diced bacon, tofu, and corn are added, accompanied by chopped green onions and ginger rice to enhance the flavor. Finally, they are blended into the hot oil soup to create a bowl of delicious wine with color, aroma, and taste. This soup is not only suitable for all seasons, warming up in winter and cooling down in summer, but also has the effects of refreshing and relieving fatigue, treating hunger and sobering up. It is a premium drink for Tujia guests and is deeply loved by the people, almost becoming an indispensable part of daily life.
The fire of the Tujia ethnic group’s hearth, which never stops throughout the year, is not only a source of warmth, but also the center of life. Surrounded by this warm flame, Tujia people cook food in pots and enjoy a simple and rustic life. They are hardworking and kind, working early from spring plowing to autumn harvest, forming a unique early work culture. The Tujia people have a straightforward personality, are honest and trustworthy, and help each other among neighbors. Whether it’s weddings and celebrations, mourning for funerals, building houses, or dealing with natural and man-made disasters, we can see the figure of the whole village working together to overcome difficulties. At the wedding, the whole village paused their own cooking smoke and celebrated together; In funerals, regardless of day or night, from the busy daytime to the vigil at night, all are treated as family members.
In the customs of the Tujia ethnic group, the income from hunting follows the ancient principle of “those who see have a share”, and the fair distribution of prey demonstrates the wisdom of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. When allocating, the simple method of drawing lots or drawing lots ensures that everyone can share the gifts of nature, preserving the remnants of distribution in primitive society. In addition, once the fruits in the fields are ripe, passersby can freely pick them. This spirit of openness and sharing is a true reflection of the warm hospitality and generosity of the Tujia people.
