Untitled - Life and Culture on the Tibetan Plateau

obes, <strong>and</strong> kha btags. The bag ma waits in another room
then, after entering the party room, she st<strong>and</strong>s at the edge of
the white felt, <strong>and</strong> faces the A zhang with her family
members. Before the A zhang present gifts, the bag ma
prostrates to the A zhang on the felt. The A zhang zhang bo
approaches the girl to present his gifts <strong>and</strong> is the first to offer
gifts. He gives an oration expressing joy that the family
respected him by giving him a warm invitation <strong>and</strong> welcome
before he announces what gifts he has brought. He explains
that he did not bring many gifts, but that this is not because
he is stingy. Other A zhang present their gifts in turn <strong>and</strong>
need not present gifts themselves; if they are shy or they do
not know what to say, they ask another A zhang to present
their gifts. For example, a twelve-year-old maternal cousin of
the girl may be too shy to speak publicly <strong>and</strong> may ask
another A zhang to present his gifts on his behalf. After all
the A zhang finish presenting gifts, the felt on which the gifts
are piled is moved to the end of the 'grul ba's double row of
seating. Paternal relatives <strong>and</strong> the friends of the family
present their gifts. Close relatives present gifts first.
Villagers present gifts after the 'grul ba, which are
mostly cash (around fifteen RMB). Their gifts are of less
value than other guests. The family asks someone to record
the gifts that guests brought in a notebook.
Guests are Offered Food
After the completion of gift-giving, the helpers serve another
meal to all the guests. The A zhang are served first. The two
males responsible for welcoming guests to the meal room
invite all the A zhang to the meal room, where other helpers
enthusiastically offer tea <strong>and</strong> food. After the A zhang are
satisfied, they return to the party room. They are followed by
separate groups of the 'grul ba, older village men, young
village men, older village women, <strong>and</strong> young village women
<strong>and</strong> children.
Guests eat <strong>and</strong> drink as much as they like. It is
acceptable to not finish the food in a bowl, although most
guests do not leave food in their bowls, except for drunken
men <strong>and</strong> children. After the meal, guests return to enjoy the
songs, liquor, <strong>and</strong> beer.
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