Centuries-old custom to settle big day nerves degenerates into displays of ritual humiliation. — SCMP
Harrowing images of a bride in China who was taped to a telephone pole by several friends as part of a game on her wedding day have sparked an online debate about vulgar marriage customs.
On Sept 23, a viral video from Shanxi province in northern China, showed several men binding a bride in traditional Chinese wedding attire to a phone pole with tape.
She cries out for help and tries to escape, but no one intervenes.
A friend of the bridegroom, surnamed Yang, told Fengmian News that the men were the groom’s childhood friends.
Yang added that the “game” had been agreed upon by the couple beforehand.
“Making a bit of a scene at weddings is our local custom, all among good friends. There was no harm done,” he said.
Yang added that the groom was present during the binding and that they all looked out for the bride’s safety, urging people not to misunderstand the situation.
However, the incident has sparked outrage and condemnation on mainland social media.
One Douyin user said: “Building your joy on someone else’s suffering is truly disgusting.”
Another said: “If something happens to the bride, who will take responsibility?”
“These vulgar wedding customs are relics of a bygone era. There is no excuse for hurting others,” added a third.
On Sept 24, the local government issued a statement in which Yang and others involved in the incident apologised for their actions.
The statement also said the government will strengthen its efforts to promote civilised wedding customs and encourage citizens to abandon outdated practices.
In traditional Chinese weddings, hun nao, or “wedding hazing” is meant to create a festive atmosphere and ease the couple’s nerves.
Originating centuries ago, the custom involved family and friends using laughter to ward off evil spirits.
However, today, it has devolved into crude jokes and inappropriate games.
A wedding planner from Wuhan, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Post that at some weddings he has seen guests tying bananas or cucumbers to the groom for the bride to bite, or the man being stripped to pose with the bride.
Vulgar wedding hazing incidents are not uncommon in China.
In December 2016, three men in southwestern China tied up a groom causing injuries that left him permanently disabled. The men were ordered to pay more than 100,000 yuan (US$14,000) in compensation. – South China Morning Post
