Marriage in China still befuddles me. It is for sons (and daughters, but preferably the former). It is for joining families. It is for the good of the bride and groom.
I witnessed an engagement party today. It was a banquet-style luncheon in what can only be described as the [...]
An Engagement Arranged
May 31st, 2009 · No Comments
Tags: Ceremonies · Countryside · Relationships
Joint Bank Accounts
May 22nd, 2008 · 4 Comments
For some reason, China doesn’t have ‘em. Which makes for interesting discussions about money. Who’s bank account should our money be kept in? My wife’s or mine?
For those of you confused, women in Shanghai often control the purse strings of their men. Whoever makes money in the family turns it over [...]
Tags: Business & Markets · Family
Chinese Egg Hunt
September 14th, 2007 · No Comments
Before a traditional wedding in Shanghai, there is something akin to an Easter Egg hunt. The relatives come over with quilts, often very colorful ones, especially including red. They are stacked together and tied with a string. Hidden inside are raw eggs (in plastic bags in case they break). A baby [...]
Tags: Ceremonies
Married in China
September 11th, 2007 · No Comments
Yes, it’s true… I got married in China.
I managed to find myself a wonderful girl, named Fang Lian, or Rachel, as I call her. She has been more than just my great love, she has been my window into her family, her culture and this beautiful country. Despite my constant complaints, living in [...]
Tags: Ceremonies · Festivals & Traditions