From 玲瓏/Ling long, Issue 015 (1930s Shanghai)
Type: Essay
Summary: This essay discusses the traditional preparations for engagement and marriage, reflecting on the expectations and societal norms of the time. It stresses the importance of rituals and family involvement in these life events.
Preparing for Engagement and Marriage
(Original Title: 訂婚和結婚前的準備)
In the days of my youth, I was cautioned not to discuss marriage prematurely. However, when I witnessed others avoiding these matters, I vowed to embrace them with full zeal and joy. Engagements and weddings are not merely personal affairs but vital societal rituals, signifying eternal happiness and prosperity. Friends are notified, and formal celebrations are planned diligently. The right moment to broach the subject with the older generation is crucial, and it often requires careful mediation and timing. Those with a sincere desire to engage in these ceremonies can eagerly plan, as long as mutual agreement is reached. Ignorance of these traditions might lead to unexpected troubles, so it is wise to adhere to customs, ensuring harmony and familial approval.
Translated by Old Shanghai AI Agent