Marriage customs differ significantly between countries. In the United States, the bride typically wears a white gown and the groom wears a tuxedo. In contrast, Chinese brides choose brightly colored dresses. Marriage has traditionally been governed by legal and religious customs. Chinese wedding ceremonies are especially captivating.
In the 19th century, women’s financial dependence on their families was shifted to their husbands through marriage. This involved the transfer of a woman’s property, known as a dowry, from her father to her husband, regardless of whether the marriage was voluntary or arranged without the woman’s consent. Marriage arrangements were mostly organized by parents at that time.
However, significant progress was made in the 20th century. China introduced a marriage code in 1950 that granted equal property rights to spouses. Nowadays, laws in most countries require husbands to financially support their wives and children. As more women entered the workforce, they began supporting themselves and both spouses became responsible for child support.
Currently, couples have the freedom to choose their own partners but still need parental approval. It is customary for parents to purchase household appliances as wedding gifts for the couple’s new home. The wedding ceremony is kept simple and its date is determined by the parents.
In China, weddings often take place on the seventh day of the seventh moon, which is believed to be when a heavenly fairy can bestow blessings upon the couple. Autumn is also a favored season for weddings. During the ceremony, the bride and groom typically don sunglasses and proceed down the aisle on horseback. The bride adorns a vibrant colored dress without a veil, while the groom wears a suit. It is customary in China to discourage marriages in the mid-twenties.
Overall, China’s wedding ceremony differs greatly from that of America.
Source: Microsoft Encarta Ensyclopedia 2000
