INVC NEWS
Beijing : In some rural areas of China, particularly in Hubei Province, there is a tradition of one-day marriages, primarily due to poverty and the inability to afford the customary expenses associated with traditional marriages. In these regions, men who are financially disadvantaged and cannot afford the expenses of a regular wedding ceremony marry for a short period, usually just 24 hours. This unique practice has gained popularity over the last six years.
The reason behind this one-day marriage tradition is rooted in the belief that an individual must be married before they pass away. It is believed that only a married person can be buried in the family graveyard. By marrying even for a short period, these men secure their place in the ancestral burial ground, ensuring a proper burial after their death.
Typically, the brides who participate in these one-day marriages are professional brides, who receive payment for their services. Some of these women come from outside the region and agree to the arrangement because they are in need of money. The reported fee for these professional brides is around Rs 40,000.
One of the contributing factors to this custom is the practice of dowry in China. In traditional Chinese marriages, a significant dowry is given to the bride, often totaling a substantial amount, usually not less than 11 lakhs. As this dowry is usually not given to the groom, it becomes difficult for financially challenged men to afford a regular marriage.
It is important to note that this practice is specific to certain regions in China and may not represent the marriage customs of the entire country. Additionally, the information provided is based on media reports and may be subject to cultural changes and variations over time.
