China is one of the oldest civilizations in the world. The country’s history dates back to more than 40,000 years. Its antiquity can be appreciated in the ancient villages that lie among the steep hills, the palaces long ago inhabited by emperors, or the many traditional celebrations still alive after thousands of years. One of these celebrations are weddings. Family is seen as the most important element in Chinese society. Therefore, weddings are big affairs greatly celebrated by those who are involved and a huge amount of money is spent in them. Because continuing the family line is essential for the Chinese, bachelorhood is an unknown concept in the Chinese society. Most marriages, not so long ago, were arranged by parents or by matchmakers. The government also dictated laws when it came to getting divorced and married again. Due to all the restrictions accredited to the different traditions and laws, many marriages were never able to reach happiness. However, even though some are still present, with the passage of time traditional marriage customs and laws have changed in China’s modern society.
Ha Jin, in his novel Waiting, depicts Lin Kong’s story. Kong was an army doctor who tried to divorce his wife for ten years. Getting married and having children was looked at as a human duty and a commitment. Everyone was supposed to get married, even those physically impaired. As a result, Kong agreed to let his parents choose a wife for him “Out of filial duty… ” (Jin, 8) and decided to marry even though he only knew her by pictures. However, after getting married, Kong was not happy with his wife and after seen her in real life he regretted his decision. Years later, he fell in love with Manna who was a young nurse at the hospital...
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... unhappiness in the past. Even those who were able to get divorced and marry whom they loved found themselves unable to be truly fulfilled. Even though these laws and customs have changed with the passage of time, they are still practiced in some remote parts of China. Past or present, family is something extremely important in Chinese society; therefore, everyone is encouraged to get marriaged and continue their family line. Different to western notions of self-centrality, the Chinese see themselves in relation to their family, their community, and their past.
Works Cited
Jin, Ha. Waiting: A Novel. New York: Vintage, 2000. Print.
Knowles, Christopher. "Family." Fodor's Exploring China. New York: Fodor's Travel Publications, 2005. 12-13. Print
Han, Lee. "How Have Chinese Marriage Traditions Changed in China's Modern Society." Personal Interview. 7 Apr. 2014.
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