Why a Chinese custom asks new wives to leave home and avoid lanterns

Why a Chinese custom asks new wives to leave home and avoid lanterns

  • January 6, 2026

When symbols of hope become a temporary taboo In much of China, lanterns represent light, hope, and reunion. They glow during celebrations, guide wishes skyward, and mark moments of joy shared by families and communities. Yet in parts of northern China, these same

An ancient bridal custom rooted in belief and sacrifice

An ancient bridal custom rooted in belief and sacrifice

  • December 15, 2025

Among the Gelao ethnic group in China, a centuries old wedding custom once required women to have one or two upper front teeth deliberately removed before marriage. The painful ritual was believed to protect the groom’s family from misfortune and ensure prosperity after