China old folk custom sacrificed young women to become ‘Cave God’ brides who starved to death

A tragic ancient custom from China's Miao communities in Xiangxi, western Hunan province, called Luo Hua Dong Nv, involved selecting unmarried women aged 16-25 as brides for a legendary 'Cave God'. These women, described as 'mentally unstable' but 'gentle' with 'intelligence, bright eyes and beauty', were given up by their 'anxious' families. They were sent to live in caves, where they would fast to death as a form of sacrifice. The practice, now extinct, is regarded as one of the 'Three Evils of Xiangxi' alongside corpse driving and Gu sorcery, and is thought to originate from animistic beliefs where caves were seen as dwellings of deities.

This custom, a 'marriage between humans and deities', reflects a dark chapter in folk history, highlighting how cultural beliefs could lead to extreme practices. The Miao communities in the mountainous regions of Xiangxi held animistic views that all things possessed spirits, leading to the selection of young women as offerings. While the practice no longer exists, its legacy persists in local folklore, serving as a reminder of the intersection between spirituality, gender roles, and societal pressures. The custom's details, including the specific age range and descriptions of the chosen women, underscore the tragic loss of life under the guise of religious devotion.