In Zhejiang, eastern China, an unidentified man called off his engagement due to his future in-laws’ hefty demand of a 380,000 yuan (approximately RM246,025 or US$53,000) bride price, sparking a renewed debate about this costly traditional practice. The couple’s eight-year-long relationship succumbed to this exorbitant demand, which was double the region’s average bride price, according to China News.
A widely shared video on social media documented the heartbroken bride-to-be, processing the news of her broken engagement in a public setting. The reports stated that she was blissfully planning her wedding, unaware of her parents’ financial expectations or the objections from her fiancé and his family.
The groom’s parents had earmarked 250,000 yuan (about RM161,790 or US$35,000), hoping it would appease any demand from the bride’s family. The requested bride price of 380,000 yuan left them in shock, as it was nearly twice the local average of 200,000 yuan (roughly RM129,474). Despite their attempts to negotiate a lower price, the bride’s parents remained adamant, insisting that their “beautiful” daughter merited the exorbitant price. They refused to give their blessing for the marriage unless their demand was met.
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Having already made a down payment on a home for the young couple, the groom’s parents found themselves unable to fulfill the high bride price. The aftermath of China’s one-child policy, which preferred boys over girls and resulted in a higher male population, has triggered a significant increase in bride prices as these children reach marriageable age.
The Chinese male population in 2022 stood at 722.06 million, while the female population was at 689.69 million, adding fuel to the rising bride price phenomenon. The ex-girlfriend’s stance on the bride price was not revealed in the reports, but they did indicate that she believed her boyfriend, if he truly loved her, should find a way to satisfy her parents’ demands.
However, while having a meal with her friends, she received a text message from her boyfriend announcing the termination of their relationship due to her parents’ unrealistic expectations. She immediately sought clarification over a phone call, a conversation that was captured and shared online.
The issue has sparked intense discussions on mainland social media platforms, with comments such as, “Her family is selling their daughter” and “Her parents were trying to empty his family’s pockets, weren’t they?” echoing the public’s frustration towards the escalating bride price practice in China.
News based on thestar website.
