Monday, June 12, 2017

"It’s so dangerous being a bridesmaid in China that some brides are hiring professionals instead"

Qz:
Bridesmaid traditions have a long history in China. In the feudal era centuries ago, when the female womb was seen as a precious resource for the production of an heir, brides were susceptible to kidnapping at weddings by rival clans and hooligans. Shouldering the responsibility to protect the bride, bridesmaids were dressed up like the bride to lower the risk that she might be identified and robbed. As legal protections for marriage were established, this was no longer necessary, and the role of bridesmaid took a more symbolic turn.
Article from 2016, but brought to my attention today because of this.