Sunday, December 9, 2018

Professional bridesmaids for hire in China due to increasingly hazardous job scope

Source Website: http://www.asiaone.com/china/professional-bridesmaids-hire-china-due-increasingly-hazardous-job-scope
By Ariel Pang, pariel@sph.com.sg, AsiaOne, 13 June 2017


Traditionally, 'nao hun' (闹婚 Nào hūn) - or 'creating turbulence' is believed to liven up the atmosphere at the wedding.
PHOTO: Traditionally, 'nao hun' (闹婚 Nào hūn) - or 'creating turbulence' is believed to liven up the atmosphere at the wedding. But being a bridesmaid in China is so dangerous that couples have turned to hiring professionals instead.
PHOTO: Pixabay
Picture posted by Ariel Pang, AsiaOne on 13 June 2017
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqoGSPTLPmM8XjbcMX_1Na4qjWHucNpn46WaPxv_THDOSftlaPmSp22W35ZzlLbhyphenhyphenH8taeJu8HAeyVT8kjfIKkgTtrOUa6JBG6LqS25QUwyJI7Oc1bWZmfsUYJ5WpVM6UPSWkH8DxeK8E/s1600/20170613_bridesmaid_a1_0.jpg
http://www.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/styles/700x500/public/original_images/Jun2017/20170613_bridesmaid_a1_0.jpg?itok=KVVc44F6
http://www.asiaone.com/china/professional-bridesmaids-hire-china-due-increasingly-hazardous-job-scope


Being a bridesmaid in China is so dangerous that couples have turned to hiring professionals instead, following an increasingly worrying slew of bridesmaids being abused and harassed at weddings.

One common practice at weddings in China is that of 'nao hun' (闹婚 Nào hūn) - or 'creating turbulence'. In 'nao hun', the wedding guests 'tease' the newlywed couple and their bridesmaids. Traditionally, doing so is believed to liven up the atmosphere at the wedding.


According to various reports, Chinese authorities wanted to stop the increasing demand for the 'bride price.'
PHOTO: According to various reports, Chinese authorities wanted to stop the increasing demand for the "bride price," so they imposed restrictions on the value of wedding gifts, as well as to the number of guests.
In Jinan, Eastern China, they implemented a "simple and appropriate marriage etiquette" wherein "etiquette should be constructed to form a good social trend that advocates diligence and thrift and opposes extravagance and waste."
PHOTO: Pixabay
Picture posted by Kathreena Gabaldon, Philippine Daily Inquirer/Asia News Network on 08 December 2018 - Authorities want to stop 'extreme' wedding cultures in China
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVOveVnQqUFhszNm_C5ptZxE11Y776FjT6bgCJ9yRxV3m2PIsHxnujhR2ximndTSHdUPtrXGktRhfuuOUv5238WMquCBaAFjfvMIAogrO1LtTjNvo8-DCIjAeN2lAH1hpiET0QtkdBVoE/s1600/wedding_pixabay+%25281%2529.jpg
http://www.asiaone.com/china/heres-why-authorities-want-stop-extreme-wedding-cultures-china


However, the activities, which include bridesmaids drinking wine on behalf of the bride and groomsmen performing stunts with sexual innuendo (suggestion), often get out of hand.

In the latest incident, a bridesmaid was sexually assaulted by a groomsman and the best man while they were on the way to the wedding ceremony. A video circulating on Chinese social media showed the bridesmaid being groped by the two men, despite her protests.


A bridesmaid was sexually assaulted by a groomsman and the best man while they were on the way to the wedding ceremony.
PHOTO: A bridesmaid was sexually assaulted by a groomsman and the best man while they were on the way to the wedding ceremony. The bridesmaid being groped by the two men, despite her protests. The men were later arrested by Xi'an police.
Picture pin by nastja on Love - Representation image
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYeM-qhW-AUPWdBqltuDCwGBoeXiVROzt-Jwx1i3Gw7GDh3cCFATNJGWNaD6Ri_EE0gQRUFax9Qa2fCTP8SS1AYiocH3fXsVlLYme607COG5wzR2qPwJBcasS9bhM-YXCQvWw2yRbGGsE/s1600/2466599e5ac768d83eef99ee33177dbe.jpg
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/24/66/59/2466599e5ac768d83eef99ee33177dbe.jpg
https://www.pinterest.nz/?show_error=true


The men were later arrested by Xi'an police.

A bridesmaid also made headlines last year when she died from over-consuming alcohol, and actress Liu Yan was almost thrown into the water by groomsmen at a celebrity couple's wedding whom she was a bridesmaid for.


Brides and Bridesmaids Are Sexually Abused in China as Part of Tradition.
PHOTO: Brides and Bridesmaids Are Sexually Abused in China as Part of Tradition.
A bridesmaid also made headlines last year when she died from over-consuming alcohol, and actress Liu Yan was almost thrown into the water by groomsmen at a celebrity couple's wedding whom she was a bridesmaid for.
Picture posted by Stuti Bhattacharya on 24 December, 2016
https://s4.scoopwhoop.com/anj/sfdsda/676219164.jpeg
https://www.vagabomb.com/In-China-Brides-and-Bridesmaids-Are-Sexually-Abused-at-Weddings-as-Part-of-Tradition/


Actress Liu Yan was almost thrown into the water by groomsmen at a celebrity couple's wedding whom she was a bridesmaid for.

PHOTO: Actress Liu Yan was almost thrown into the water by groomsmen at a celebrity couple's wedding whom she was a bridesmaid for.
The Chinese tradition of 闹婚 Nào hūn is fast becoming notorious for taking traditional wedding games too far. The tradition, like many others based on the premise of teasing and embarrassing a newly-married couple, involves creating disruptions at the wedding by subjecting the bride and the bridesmaids to sexual assault.
Picture posted by 知乎用户 Zhī hū yòng hù (Zhī hū user) on 31 March 2016 - (闹婚 Nào hūn, literally ‘disturbing a marriage’)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilMHGyotPNGBnclASU1Iv3vZChqSs3YC2jgK_VQ6fwotU25uC-PdfRCUfvWZIz7Pr5gLWOuhmrJ8nStC3NpU3IFCwAOhyZFh0eIm9TMSuoHJeWXLvzajwJWzCAO1ykJo5z6A6gJBQwX3w/s1600/e97e6418fa945de22412cede0252ec2e_hd.png
https://pic3.zhimg.com/80/e97e6418fa945de22412cede0252ec2e_hd.png
https://www.zhihu.com/question/41969285/answer/93079158
 

Unhealthy Fear? - Fear that motivates us to disobey God
PHOTO: Unhealthy Fear? - Fear that motivates us to disobey God
Certain fears often prompt us to do things which are displeasing to God. Fear of failure, and rejection by friends, especially the opposite sex. Such fears have often led young people to express inappropriately, get in with the wrong crowd (drinking excessively), and give in to improper sexual advances.
Picture posted by 至娱系 Zhì yú xì on 06 April 2016 - (闹婚 Nào hūn, literally ‘disturbing a marriage’)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFhE6XuttUQaOI1jSQKF9cnFcDKUL0JFycLgL5EnaOzByOchiNNBl0KFd0OdBxaS7IlvTjLO8bUxhRryBk0PcN8pUhIbwhwru24AVcVFFw23AHD8a7OCXOnqIKwKjytvOVbyq9Zlp210/s1600/0_11.png
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https://m.chuansongme.com/n/2811613
 

This problematic idea not only implies that the idea of sex they had was non-consensual, but also that it was a matter of public consumption, involving relatives and random acquaintances.
PHOTO: This problematic idea not only implies that the idea of sex they had was non-consensual, but also that it was a matter of public consumption, involving relatives and random acquaintances. While some couples accept these traditions, many find the idea horrible. This misogynistic (strongly prejudiced against women) practice now also involves traumatising bridesmaids.
Liu Yan was almost thrown into the pool by the best man, and it was only after Jia Ling’s rescue that she escaped.
Picture posted by Wang Pao China News Service, China Times Group on 11 April 2016 at 16:45 - (闹婚 Nào hūn, literally ‘disturbing a marriage’)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8nashg6Db4YGnYUWqOluHmKsmKcgfycJERXbamDf04uJamUCXN2McDoWU6oeia8y2b21APttl0vaEl4aimuogUGooj1rQ_n9a8B8_iZdO9PqI4MLjMAPePHG0MNcbUI6sggSjJNrshAg/s1600/N25A00_P_01_02.jpg
https://img.chinatimes.com/newsphoto/2016-04-11/656/n25a00_p_01_02.jpg
http://degerminate60.rssing.com/browser.php?indx=40480742&item=12247


Other bridesmaids have also spoken out about being molested or stripped during wedding games.

As a result of all the horror stories, brides-to-be are finding it increasingly difficult to invite friends to act as their bridesmaids. Some potential bridesmaids decide to draw up 'no wedding teasing contracts' which lay out ground rules to protect themselves before they agree to participate in a wedding, reported cjn.cn.


Other bridesmaids have also spoken out about being molested or stripped during wedding games.
PHOTO: Other bridesmaids have also spoken out about being molested or stripped during wedding games. As a result of all the horror stories, brides-to-be are finding it increasingly difficult to invite friends to act as their bridesmaids.
Picture posted by Aditi Chordia on 26 December 2016
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2wGuc6YAUx7e9XehVwCbBl2t7N_8QbPsdECqsrHoVI-QEOmrjCObU6jsdH0pGpjJrUuKjAPfm2B5pOtfkaY-pmKFiDURs3-zyBSxodl4wjMb469ZkBgOr94TkYXsJQ_LQ2z2as1gkiWU/s1600/chian8_1482153420.jpg
http://imgcdn.beingindian.com/uploads/2016/12/chian8_1482153420_725x725.jpg - (chian8_1482153420.jpg)
https://www.beingindian.com/news/naohun-tradition


However, other brides have resorted to hiring professional bridesmaids instead.

According to Business Insider, more than 50 wedding planning firms now offer professional bridesmaids as part of their wedding packages.


It’s so dangerous being a bridesmaid in China that some brides are hiring professionals instead.
PHOTO: It’s so dangerous being a bridesmaid in China that some brides are hiring professionals instead.
According to Business Insider, more than 50 wedding planning firms now offer professional bridesmaids as part of their wedding packages.
Picture posted by Yang Hu on 26 October 2016
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvUt4feKcpUkfmmakpdIGccrDnZ80Gf_w7W515pRzQfbYmRH29fJn4N1pYnMIfREg7Z4jlt9txnnyOWJuuESI1tPaN0ysULi_XlB4R-Cb1l8umVUrOfVL8l_2nUatx2TmB6WZJs-qxSxc/s1600/chinese-bride.jpg
https://cms.qz.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/chinese-bride.jpg
https://qz.com/818996/its-so-dangerous-being-a-bridesmaid-in-china-that-some-brides-are-hiring-professionals-instead/


Being a hired bridesmaid does not spare them from the wedding games or stunts, though. Besides acting as the make-up artist, the hired bridesmaid has to gamely take part in the activities and also help to build up the atmosphere at the wedding, no matter how demeaning the tasks might be.

Depending on the "difficulty" of the services they provide, a professional bridesmaid is paid between 200 yuan (S$40.60) and 800 yuan per wedding, according to Baike.com.

While hiring professionals might fill the temporary need for bridesmaids, it does not resolve the underlying problem: the normalisation of bridesmaids being harassed while participating in wedding proceedings.

Until such a mindset is done away with, bridesmaids - professional or not - will still be subject to harassment and assault.


Being a hired bridesmaid does not spare them from the wedding games or stunts
PHOTO: Being a hired bridesmaid does not spare them from the wedding games or stunts, though. Besides acting as the make-up artist, the hired bridesmaid has to gamely take part in the activities and also help to build up the atmosphere at the wedding, no matter how demeaning the tasks might be.
Picture saved by R Wagner Photography
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https://i.pinimg.com/originals/4e/5b/1e/4e5b1e09312bc1e3f3207732b9084c82.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/111816003218717042/
 

A suspected mistress in Zhengzhou (鄭州 Zhèng zhōu) had her clothing violently torn, and hair cut off.
PHOTO: A suspected mistress in Zhengzhou (鄭州 Zhèng zhōu) had her clothing violently torn, and hair cut off. There are also cases of wife stripping suspected mistress, and beating them in the full view of the public. One's uncontrollable passion being disciplined by hurt anger. Will revengeful action under the guise of righteousness be able to subside? Who without sin may cast the first stone.
Did tradition stated that wedding couple should be inconvenienced or punished by 'teasing'? The authorities are brave enough to change harmful traditions, and prevent any more from being compromised.
PHOTO: While hiring professionals might fill the temporary need for bridesmaids, it does not resolve the underlying problem: the normalisation of bridesmaids being harassed while participating in wedding proceedings.
Picture posted by yandex.net - national wedding hairstyles
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https://avatars.mds.yandex.net/get-pdb/49816/59fa7593-27f5-4dfe-a977-9b0e4d444313/orig - (orig_bridesmaid.jpg)
http://m.yandex.by/collections/card/57cb1434bef67b6edbeac792/
 

Until the mindset is done away with, bridesmaids - professional or not - will still be subject to harassment and assault.
PHOTO: Although it is right to respect everyone's traditions, we should still be aware of the limitations. And sure, a bit of humour is okay but it's good to remember that we should not harm anyone for the sake of a joke.
Picture posted by Swank Soiree
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZlWJQHMr98lIVHrv1MRAvIFJiJtm5p7zFcd5xwIXHbD6UtQIRI1Pr1qAVQpoxerpdkPkX8JFU_Fv6-zebPCy3G8sIlpsmCBhOmV0zOiEiv2H6L6fS90KKCcPazs_iMhlDQKf6zeR1zE/s1600/005-chinese-bridesmaids.jpg
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5962f0dbe3df28d47c3e1813/596d7f9d15d5db847923cdc4/596d84e76b8f5b88b9ed51dc/1500349673481/005-chinese-bridesmaids-robes-Chinese-Tea-Ceremony-by-Ivy-Weddings-Dallas-Wedding-Photographer-Planned-By-Swank-Soiree-Dallas-Wedding-Planner.jpg - (005-chinese-bridesmaids.jpg)
https://www.swanksoiree.com/traditional-chinese-dallas-wedding/fy0zg20tqutxgrr8zth2e0hmvnh79l

By Ariel Pang, pariel@sph.com.sg, AsiaOne, 13 June 2017



Reference
[1] Ariel Pang, AsiaOne, Professional bridesmaids for hire in China due to increasingly hazardous job scope, posted on 13 June 2017, http://www.asiaone.com/china/professional-bridesmaids-hire-china-due-increasingly-hazardous-job-scope
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