There are many taboos in Manchu life, and breaking taboos is considered impolite. The Manchus do not like wearing dog-skin hats or eating dog meat, and they are most afraid of other ethnic groups wearing dog-skin hats entering their homes. No one is allowed to sit casually on the Western Kang. There are locking poles in the courtyard, and animals are not allowed to be tied.
Manchu taboos
Manchu taboos are many. Blasphemy against gods and ancestors is not allowed. For example, the Manchu people value the west, and the ancestral box is placed on the Western Kang. No one is allowed to live in the Western Kang, no one is allowed to put debris there, and no disrespectful behavior is allowed. It is not allowed to beat dogs, and it is even more forbidden to kill dogs, eat dog meat, wear dog skin hats, and foreigners are not allowed to wear dog skin hats into the house. Legend has it that Nurhaci once told his people, "There are many wild beasts in the mountains, and you can hunt them for food. However, from now on, you are not allowed to eat dog meat or wear dog skins. When a dog dies, you must bury it, because dogs understand human nature, can save the savior, and are righteous dogs." "From then on, loving and respecting dogs has become a Manchu custom. In addition, the Manchus not only do not eat the meat of crows, but also have the custom of feeding and sacrificing crows.
The Hui people are widely distributed, and the natural conditions and economic development vary greatly from place to place. The food customs, food structure and cooking techniques of the Hui people in different places are also not completely consistent. The Hui people are very particular about their drinks and do not drink any stagnant or unclean water. The Hui people pay great attention to hygiene in their daily diet. Wherever possible, they should wash their hands with running water before and after meals. Most Hui people do not smoke or drink alcohol. They are taboo against others smoking and drinking in their own homes. Elders should sit upright when dining. The younger generation cannot sit on the Kang with their elders, but must sit on the edge of the Kang or on a stool on the ground.