Maonan Marriage
Ethnic intermarriage is acceptable in Maonan. Marriages
between Maonan and Zhuang or Han are common. The
patterns of [Maonan ♀ + other's ♂] and [Maonan ♂ +
other's ♀] are equally popular and the
criteria for
selecting a partner are mainly the financial condition
of the prospective bridegroom and the appearance of the
prospective bride, although other factors are also
important.
Young men and young women are basically free to find
their own marriage partners with the exception that a
brother's son must consider a sister's daughter as the
prospective wife. Nevertheless, their parents are the
decision makers although more and more young people,
especially those who are more competent or financially
independent are having more say in their marriage. Prior
to engagement, parents from both sides often visit a
fortuneteller to find out if the fates of the
prospective couple match, otherwise the marriage cannot
go ahead. A matchmaker handles negotiation of the
betrothal gifts. Only a handful of Maonan who live in
the county seat of Huanjiang and have been influenced by
the Chinese culture do not follow this custom nowadays.
During
a wedding ceremony, the bride is traditionally led to
the bridegroom's house by the bridegroom's sister.
Before departure, several female singers begin to sing
farewell songs. Before going down the steps of the front
door, the bride is supposed to weep and sing a song to
show her reluctance to leave her parents and her
gratitude to them for their nurturing care. At the door
of the bridegroom's house, there are three small mock
bridges made of bamboo strips and cloth. The bride is
supposed to knock down the bridges, which symbolizes
that she is determined to follow her husband and will
not turn back. There is more singing in the bridegroom's
house during the wedding.
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