In ancient China, marriage, as the cornerstone of the family and society, carried a profound cultural connotation. Betrothal ceremonies, an important part of this tradition, were once seen as key to ensuring the legitimacy and stability of marriage. However, as times have changed, and although modern laws have given new definitions to marriage, in some regions, engagement ceremonies still occupy an indispensable place in the minds of older generations.
However, when this traditional practice is used by some families as a tool for their own interests, its original meaning is distorted. On October 12, 2023, an ordinary engagement ceremony aroused widespread concern in society. The documentary shows that the little girl looked panicked when she got engaged. At the age of 16, she was forced to stand on the stage of engagement, and her face did not have the joy and expectation that a bride should have, only immaturity and fear. Her eyes reveal the confusion of an unknown future and the fear of imminent marriage.
As we all know, the legal age of marriage for women is 20 years old, why would this young girl be forced to get engaged at such a young age? But in this ceremony, it is given more meaning. For the girl's parents, the engagement ceremony meant they could receive a large bride price to help their son marry a daughter-in-law. For the man's family, this ceremony means that they have found a "guaranteed" daughter-in-law for their son, and they can wait for the future wedding with peace of mind.
However, in this seemingly win-win operation, the girl's voice was ignored. Her thoughts, her feelings, her future, no one seemed to really care. She is like an object to be exchanged, to be used by parents in exchange for the happiness of their son. This profit-driven concept of marriage not only puts girls under tremendous psychological pressure, but also makes marriage lose its essential meaning.
The girl's panic and helplessness make people feel heartache. She was only 16 years old and in the prime of her youth, but she was forced to bear the burden of marriage. She may not yet understand the true meaning of marriage, let alone the challenges and responsibilities she will face. And her parents, because of a bride price, made a hasty decision about her future. Is such an engagement ceremony really meaningful? Does it really bring happiness and stability? Or does it just plunge more people into helplessness and misery?
In this materialistic society, it seems that it is becoming more and more easy for us to forget the true meaning of marriage. Marriage should be a common choice made by two people based on love and respect, not an exchange of interests. We should respect everyone's choices and rights, rather than shackling them with traditional customs and interests.
For the 16-year-old, what she needs is love, respect and understanding, not being forced to accept a marriage with no emotional foundation. We hope that she can find her own happiness and freedom as soon as possible, and no longer be bound by the pressure of family and society.
At the same time, we should also re-examine the influence of traditional customs and notions of interest on marriage. Marriage should not just be a transaction, but a commitment based on love and respect. We need to get rid of the notion that marriage is an exchange of interests and return it to its essence. Only in this way can we truly realize the beautiful vision of marriage, so that everyone can find their own happiness and fulfillment in marriage.