The museum, in Huaxi County of Guizhou Province, is actually part of Li's home. He converted some of his rooms into a museum at a cost of 10,000 yuan (US$1,204) after six years of preparation.

The museum displays more than 400 paintings depicting traditional Bouyei love stories and wedding rites.

"For thousands of years, within the Bouyei culture, young people sing together, and in this way, get to know each other for the purpose of marrying," Li said.

The paintings depict young couples singing together on moonlit hillsides and describe pre- and post-marital conditions and procedures.

"Songs are the best way of expressing people's thoughts, hobbies and per-sonalities. Singing together is such an elegant way to express love," said Li, who married according to these customs.

Other items displayed in the museum include ethnic wedding garments, house-hold items, embroidery and stone and porcelain vessels.

Li said matchmakers once played a crucial role in marriage. In the post-marital period, matchmakers helped to resolve conflicts, and married couples were required to invite some individuals to serve as matchmakers even if they had not done so prior to their marriage.

Li noted that these tradi-tions are increasingly rare as the Bouyei people continue to integrate themselves with the outside world.

(eastday.com November 5, 2002)