Chinese Marriage In ancient China, a man could have as many concubines as possible after first wife. It was possible that youngest concubine would be a teenager while husband could be an ancient old man. Poor families sold their young daughters to rich families just because they could get some money from rich family and also get rid of a useless female in family.
Since 1950, Chinese government has promulgated a law which stated that one man can only get married with one woman. It offends law for anyone who has more than one wife.
In past, parents arranged marriages were very common. Usually young people would have their spouse decided by their parents. Sometimes young people could only have first look of their spouse at their wedding. It was also common that sometimes an arranged marriage could be organized even before child was born as long as parents from both families agreed.
In modern days, things have changed quite a lot. Free love prevails and lovers can choose to get married with whoever they love. Of course, in order to show their respect to their parents, formal agreement has still to be obtained prior to any proper marriage procedure.
Even more modern, matchmakers businesses are all thriving just because sometimes people find it a bit hard to find their true love.
Before getting married Before getting married, young people have to pay a formal visit to each other's parents. When visiting girl's parents, boy has to bring with him betrothal gifts in order to show sincerity. When gifts are received, then both boy and girl are engaged. When girl visits boy's parents, parents have to prepare a formal gift for future daughter-in-law.
In China, usually newly wedded couple will move to live with boy's family. Sometimes it is not surprising to see that they will live with girl's family. However, in these modern days, young couples would prefer to live alone without parents if they can afford to pay for a new flat or house.
One of wedding procedure is that bride has to prepare a dowry to be brought to bridegroom's family on wedding day. A dowry is things bought by bride's family, which includes blackest, clothes, accessories, daily necessities and etc.