I was born in a small village in the northern part of China. People in that place do not care much about the future of themselves, really.

Life is simple and almost the same between one and another. After one is born, he will attend a school at the age of six till he faces the entrence of a high school. If he studies well, he will go on his study, if not, he will go out to look for a job following his relatives.

When he is around the age of 20, his parents will find a person to introduce a girl to him as a wife. At this time the family of the male part will give 10000 to 20000 [rmb] to the family of the female part. Generally speaking , they will not change the relationship once it is built.

Township Wedding Traditional Colours

After that, the family of the male part will collect money for the wedding, 20000 RMB maybe. But that is not enough because the female part usually ask for a new house which can be built around 100,000 RMB in that place.

After the family of the male part have prepared well, the young can get married. According to this, the family of the male part will spend a lot of money which is very difficult for a family in the countryside. Most of the time, after the young get married, their parents will owe lots of money from their relatives.

Country Wedding, non traditional colours

What's more, there are some youngers have already get a baby before they get married, which is not allowed in China, so they must turn in more money to the government to instead of being put into the prison.

That is the life in that countryside, they seldom care about the meaning of love.

There is a saying like fall in love after being married. And they forget the meaning of their own life.

My aunt who has three children died last year. Her two daughters have both got married, her son has got married for just one year. Generally, that is the most relax time for one who lives a life in the countryside. However, this is her fate.

I don't want to follow the way as them for everyone has his own life, I think. My parents don't have the duty to pay for anything after I am grown-up. My elder brother has brought a lot away from them, I must do all the things for myself. So I quited university when my parents faced the difficulties between supporting my study and paying for my elder brother's wedding.

Some Wedding Traditions are quite interesting

I went here, another province,  faraway from my hometown, alone. I don't have friends who can help me here, but fortunately, Jhunex, the Phillipineno guy, helped me a lot. Now I work in Holiday Inn as a waiter in the food and beverage department, I don't know how about my future, that is also the one I am worried about. But RP tell me just leave it to the time. Yup.

Time will give me the answer

Country Wedding Band

When one considers life in China for the young Chinese, and then looks at how the western youth waste their lives, one can't help but wish they could all trade places for awhile.

If you would like to contact Jeri, his email address is: jerichyang@yahoo.com

R.P.BenDedek.