New wave of weddings in China causes fever on social networks

A short video from Foshan City, Guangdong Province recently went viral on Chinese social media. The video captured the moment when guests handed the bride red envelopes filled with money, she gently folded one corner, then gave them back a warm smile.

Traditional wedding customs of the Tujia ethnic group, Hubei province (China). Photo: Cong Tuyen - VNA reporter in China

The simple act of folding a corner of a red envelope, symbolizing accepting blessings but refusing money, has impressed many Chinese netizens, with many social media accounts saying that this heartwarming act deserves to be spread across China, the Global Times (China) reported on October 27.

This trend reflects a new wave in China: removing the financial pressure of weddings and returning to real values ​​– sincere connections between people.

In China, the giving of red envelopes filled with money at weddings and other celebrations, known as “hong bao” in Chinese, is a long-standing tradition that symbolizes good wishes and shared joy. Likewise, bride price – money or gifts from the groom’s family to the bride’s family – has long been a part of Chinese wedding customs.

However, these traditions have now become an economic burden for many people. What was once a symbolic gesture has, in some cases, become the financial norm for relationships. One Chinese netizen commented: "In our area, you still have to give red envelopes at weddings. The minimum is 200 yuan (34 USD), and for closer relationships, it can be more than 1,000 yuan (150 USD)."

In some rural areas, the problem is not limited to weddings but extends to all sorts of celebrations, from children going to university to home renovations, which require gifts from relatives, neighbors or friends.

According to China Youth Daily, a 2023 survey of 1,000 young people found that 93.2% felt pressured by the custom of giving cash gifts. Of those, 51.2% said they faced both financial and social pressure.

Corner-folded red envelopes solve this dilemma in a simple and elegant way. In Shunde, Foshan, the custom is not new. Local authorities began promoting the “inexpensive ritual” three decades ago, and the movement has since spread to weddings, housewarmings and baby showers.

Folding the corner of the envelope symbolizes “your blessing is accepted,” while returning the money helps ease the financial pressure on guests. “The best wish is for everyone to gather together in happiness,” the bride in the viral video shared.

The enthusiasm for the corner-folded envelopes reflects widespread public support for efforts to renew the traditional custom.

At the national level, the Ministry of Civil Affairs has established more than 1,800 pilot zones for reforming marriage customs, of which 32 national-level pilot zones have achieved outstanding results in promoting simple weddings.

The Chinese agricultural sector also encourages villages to set their own rules on the amount of money given and the scale of weddings, celebrations, etc. on a voluntary basis. Officials also note that this should not be applied mechanically, to ensure respect for local traditions.

After all, just a small fold on the envelope reveals a big story: about how people cherish the past, while moving towards a humane future, less chasing after material things.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/van-de-quan-tam/lan-song-moi-trong-dam-cuoi-tai-trung-quoc-gay-sot-mang-xa-hoi-20251028175405459.htm