Using multiple approaches, let the dowry return to the essence of "ritual"
2024-05-08
During the recent May Day holiday, many newlyweds took advantage of the long holiday to hold their weddings. The topic of dowries, especially the phenomenon of high dowries in rural areas, has become a hot topic in the public opinion field. "Men and women do not socialize without media, and do not meet without silk." This is the description of dowry in the Book of Rites. Originating from the traditional wedding customs of "Three Books and Six Rites", the dowry itself embodies the importance and good wishes of two families for marriage. However, in recent years, in some places, dowry has been alienated as a bargaining chip for measuring love, emphasizing only "wealth" rather than "ceremony". The dowry, which far exceeds the normal expenses of families, has caused a heavy burden on many families, planted unstable factors in marriage, and even fostered illegal crimes. The issue of dowry is not only a small matter related to marital happiness, but also a major issue related to social harmony. From 2019, the No. 1 central document first named "sky high bride price", to 2024, No. 1 central document has put forward relevant work requirements for five times; The Ministry of Civil Affairs has successively established 32 national experimental zones for the reform of wedding customs, advocating for simple and moderate wedding customs and etiquette; The All China Women's Federation has identified 64 pilot projects for promoting the transformation of customs and traditions nationwide, exploring effective models based on the functional advantages of the Women's Federation and promoting the transformation of customs and traditions; In December last year, the Supreme People's Court, the Ministry of Civil Affairs, and the All China Women's Federation jointly held a press conference on "Promoting the Transformation of Customs and Practices, and Managing High Value Bribery", releasing typical cases of disputes related to dowry. From the central to local levels, various departments have taken a series of measures to actively promote the transformation of customs and practices, which is to "reduce the burden" on marriage and return the essence of dowry to "ritual". This is clearly a long-term and ongoing task. The pain of cracking down on high dowries cannot be separated from flexible policy education and rigid judicial constraints. For example, Article 1042 of the Civil Code stipulates that "arranging, buying and selling marriages, and other acts that interfere with marital freedom are prohibited. It is also prohibited to demand property through marriage." Another example is the "Provisions of the Supreme People's Court on Several Issues Concerning the Application of Law in the Trial of Cases Involving Bribery Disputes", which officially came into effect in February this year. In addition to emphasizing the "prohibition of demanding property through marriage," it further clarifies the scope of recognition, return rules, litigation subjects, and other aspects of dowry. The unified judgment scale and clear judgment rules of the judicial department undoubtedly have a positive significance in regulating the improper practices in the field of marriage customs, which is to determine and stop disputes. In recent months, many places such as Beijing, Xiantao in Hubei, and Fuping in Shaanxi have continuously announced the application of the "new regulations on dowry", focusing on various improper behaviors of borrowing money from marriage, interpreting the law and reasoning with the case, conveying a clear signal of governing high priced dowries in accordance with the law. A high dowry has never been a guarantee of a happy marriage, but may instead become a curse of happiness. In recent years, from the formulation of guidance by functional departments and the implementation of special governance, to the promotion of marriage customs reform and strengthening of village rules and regulations in various regions, to the release of typical cases and judicial interpretations by the Supreme People's Court, the effect of resisting high dowries is gradually becoming apparent in the joint efforts of the whole society. However, it should be noted that cultivating a civilized rural style, a good family style, and a simple folk style in the new era cannot be achieved overnight. Comprehensive measures need to be taken to prevent deviations in governance measures due to the urgency to achieve results. Starting marriage with love requires sincere dedication from both men and women; let
Edit：GuoGuo Responsible editor：FangZhiYou
Source：chinanews.com
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