Harmonizing the signs of husband and wife
A hand-written copy of the Nuosu scripture "Kepu Jjylur Shyate." a
Nuosu priest's srcipture for hasband,
wife and jjilur.
"Jjilur" is a sacred object with a mystical history and magical power
in the Nuosu belief. The Nuosu believe that jjilur can exorcize the
evil and turn bad luck into good fortune.
As a folk song sung by the famous Nuosu singer Kezhi said "If a ruler
got a jjilur, he could turn stones into food. If a commoner got a
jjilur, the emperor would always follow their advice. If the
silversmith got a jjilur, he can bring his talent into full play."
Although the lyrics of the song are somewhat exaggerated,
they state that the Nuosu adore the jjilur for its
sacred power.
The script is usually used to harmonize the discordance of the
horoscopic signs of the husband and wife, or disputes between the
couple. It is believed that the quarrels within the family are caused
by the loss of jjilur. To mediate the problem, the priest will be
invited to the household to perform the ritual Kepu jjilur shyaho. It
is intended to eulogizes the jjilur, praying for blessing of the jjilur
to the couple.
Jjilur refers to a genie, treasure,
good luck or happiness. Each Nuosu clan or even family worships
different jjilur. For example, the Anu lineage of the aristocratic Aho
clan worships a snake with golden coin patterns. It is said that the
giant serpent is usually followed by a group of baby snakes. The Syha
lineage of the Aho clan worships an old plough.
The lyrics of a folk song by the famous Nuosu singer Kezhi in Ganluo
County state that "Each family worships a different jjilur. The ancient
band of Abu and Ali worshipped the white streamer decorated on the
hats. The Gguhxo band worshipped golden arrows and bows, while the Qoni
band worshipped a red sword. The Ahxo clan worships a blind mule. The
Yizhe clan worships the tail of white yak: Jimu Suga clan worships a
white bull with a black face; Azhereer clan worships a yellow suit of
armor..."
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