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Asked by Mr.William G. from canada | Mar. 12, 2010 10:25

About:Ancient Chinese Marriage Custom

I have a girlfriend in Fuzhou and we have known each other several years now via internet. I visited her several months ago and also met her parents. Her father hoped I would marry his daughter( he was terminally ill at the time). The father died recently and she informed me that she needs to marry within 3 months of her father's death. Failing this, she must wait 3 more years before trying to marry again. This is a custom according to her and cannot seem to explain it. Can anyone enlighten me on this situation? Thanks in advance.

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Answered by Mr.Liu | Mar. 12, 2010 21:51

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Mr.William G,

We call this “守孝”, which means “observe mourning for one’s parents”. In some places, children should observe mourning for their parents for three years. During these three years, they can not get married. This is just an old Chinese tradition.

If the children decide to get married, they should marry in 100 days (almost three months) after their parents’ death. That’s why your GF requires to get marred within three months after her father’s death.

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