Yi people are hospitable and they show their hospitality with their home-brew wine. Three Cups of Wine is the grandest reception.

    The first cup of wine is “reception wine” which is presented at the gate of the house by the pretty Yi girls dressed in their most beautiful clothes, singing “reception song”. If a green leaf is inside the cup, it means the guest needs to respond with a song.

    The second cup of wine is “toasting for happiness” which is presented to the guest by the host of the banquet. A song of “toasting for happiness” is sung in solo or chorus.

    The third cup of wine is “persuading the guest to stay” which is respectfully presented by the host when the guest leaves. The host sings to see the guest off and only after the guest drinks it up in one gulp can he leave.