Miao Ethnicity's Gate-Blocking Wine

Miao Ethnicity's Gate-Blocking Wine

　　The Miao people have a unique way of welcoming guests from afar. If they know in advance that visitors are coming from far away, they will dress up in traditional attire early in the day to greet them at the entrance of the village. The first challenge guests face upon arrival is the Miao Ethnicity's Gate-Blocking Wine.

　　　 The gate-blocking wine is a type of homemade rice wine made by the Miao people. It’s not very high in alcohol content but has a strong aftereffect. The wine is served in a buffalo horn cup, and as soon as the guest approaches, they are expected to drink it all in one go without showing any hesitation. When drinking, guests should avoid holding the horn — doing so will lead the Miao hosts to think you want more, and they will then pour you a second cup. Many self-proclaimed heavy drinkers have been caught off guard by this tradition and have ended up too intoxicated to enter the Miao village on time, thus missing out on the opportunity to be a guest there — hence the name “gate-blocking wine.” However, those who truly cannot handle alcohol can usually explain their situation, and the hosts will generally accommodate them accordingly.