The tradition of a “Crying Marriage” – a ceremonial practice involving sobbing and singing by the bride and her family – is attracting renewed and significant attention in China.
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Practised by the Tujia, Yi, and Zhuang minorities and popular in provinces like central Hubei and southern Guangdong, the tradition is believed to have originated during China’s Warring States period (476 BC-221 BC).
When a Zhao princess was married off to the King of Yan, her mother cried out in sorrow and expressed concerns for her daughter’s distant marriage.
“May you never be sent back,” she said, marking the beginning of the wedding custom.
The ritual typically begins about a week before the wedding.
The bride may cry intermittently during this period, especially when relatives or neighbours visit and bring gifts. Her tears are seen as an expression of gratitude.