In ancient China, the union of a woman to a man was sacred. A cherished event surrounded by agreements, expectations, and the worthiness of young men coming of age. In SOULBOOKS, not only the living play a role; but the "soulbooks" (butterrflies) are an intricate part of the vast circle of life, from one life to the next. The harvest feast of the powerful Suoing Family is built around the custom of a father finding a suitable husband for his daughter. The suitors present their gifts and compete for favor with music, fire-dancers, feasting, and the presentation dances by the delicate daughters of the Suoing. The "Soulbooks" (butterflies) observe and mingle with the living in their mysterious form. They are ever present through life, death, love, and the formation of new life, bringing a new reality to worthy souls.