Abstract: This study examines the hierarchical ideas, relations and practices demonstrated by the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren among the Akha families to reveal the ways and process of social construction. It points out that the Akha patrilineal family emphasises the two-way hierarchical structure of "elderly's priority" and "grandchildren's superiority" under the concept of good fortune and family continuity. The elderly, for being the foundation of bringing up the offsprings, command special respect and status. The grandchildren, for carrying on the family line, define the blessed status of the elderly. Through ancestor worship in praying and healing rituals, the young generation with their new life and vitality bring strength and longevity to the old generation. Therefore, they deserve to be superior to the elderly.
This model of mutual hierarchy is epitomized in the so-called "shuanxianli" (thread-tie) ceremonial ritual hosted by grandchildren for their grandparents. This gift- giving ceremony can only be done with the understanding that both the giver and receiver are superior on their own rights. The elderly is at the top of the hierarchy to receive the "gift". And the grandchild is the only person in the hierarchy who can bless the elderly with this life "thread". Such a framework of the mutual superiority between grandchildren and grandparents expands itself from families, kinships and villages, and ultimately constructs a broader hierarchical social world. Multiple hierarchical differentiations, like generation, gender, habitation, consanguinity and affinity, etc., are interacting in this ritual process. Male is taken superior to female among the same generation, yet female is in higher position than male across generations, such as granddaughter is superior to grandfather. Consanguinity is more important than affinity, and fellow villagers have closer relationship with each other than with those from outside the village. This not only reflects the different significance of male/female offspring and affinity for family continuity, but also expresses the spirit of mutual assistance, solidarity and integration within the multi-surname village communities. This paper contributes to the discussion on hierarchy, gift exchange and family.

Key words: grandparents-grandchildren, differentiation, blessing, family, hierarchical relations