A man who is about to get married in China was caught sending a bundle of 1.8 billion won in cash and a luxury watch to the bride’s family. This is one of the Chinese wedding customs called ‘chai li’ (彩禮), which is money that the groom gives to the bride’s family. In the meantime, while the expensive difference has emerged as a social issue, once again a cash gift approaching 2 billion won comes and goes, and the voice of criticism over it is strong.
China’s Pengpai Newspaper reported on the 31st of last month (local time) that “Mr. Yan (30) from Yunling, Zhejiang Province sent cash, luxury watches and accessories to his fiancee from Zhaojiang, Taizhou.” The cash amount he gave to her fiancé the day before was 9.98 million yuan (approximately 1.84 billion won). Due to the large amount being delivered, the bank contacted the convoy and mobilized a convoy and four security officers.
In fact, a netizen who witnessed the situation at the time filmed and posted a video on social network service (SNS). The video shows security guards loading and transporting several red boxes onto a cart. What was in the box were gold bars, expensive watches, accessories, and bundles of cash. It is said that the cash was loaded into the vehicle by security officers after the engagement was over and deposited in the bank account of the bride-to-be.
Nearby merchants who witnessed the situation said, “I saw a convoy sending cash,” and said, “It is a common custom in Taizhou.” The two are reportedly planning to get married later this year.
The reaction of netizens who heard the news was cold. The majority said, “I don’t think a large difference is an uncommon custom.” “I feel that the difference is getting higher and higher these days.” “Every time I hear news like this, I fear marriage.” Wouldn’t it be better to write it on?”, he wrote negative comments.
Chairi was a beautiful custom to express gratitude to the parents of the prospective groom for raising their daughter well. However, in rural areas where there are few young women, the number of cases of breaking up marriages by demanding a large sum of money from the other party has increased, and even the trend of reluctance to marry has spread, emerging as a social problem. In response, the Chinese government has recently launched a campaign to regulate chai.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.