A story that touch the souls of many couples in China went viral after a woman not only paid off fiance’s debt and also refused a dowry of 300,000 yuan (SGD$58,000).
The woman, who was from Nanchang city in Jiangxi province and was identified as Zhou, met her fiancé, Hu, on a blind date and decided to get married at the end of this year after seeing each other for a month.
Zhou said in an interview with Star Video that she did not accept a betrothal gift or engagement ring from Hu and instead gave him financial support to pay off a debt he had incurred from a bad investment. “I gave him all my savings of 180,000 yuan to pay back a loan he owed,” Zhou said.
She also added that she believes in building a better future with her husband and not just by taking money.
While some netizens commented and said that she is naive.
But oh well, whatever floats your boat.
Dowry system
The dowry system in China has a long history, with its roots going back to the Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 BC). At that time, the dowry was intended to provide a bride with necessary household items and a financial cushion in case of her husband’s death. Over time, the purpose of the dowry has evolved, and it is now used as a way for a family to invest in their daughter’s future. It is seen as a way to ensure her financial security and to protect her from potential mistreatment.
In modern-day China, the dowry is generally given in the form of cash, jewelry, or other valuable items. It is usually paid by the bride’s family, although in some cases, the groom’s family may also contribute to the dowry. The amount of the dowry is usually predetermined by the bride’s family and typically reflects the family’s social and economic status.