courtship & marriage of asian country

8/10/2019 Courtship & Marriage of Asian Country

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Courtship and Marriage in China

China is a multinational country with 56 ethnic groups. According to

the 1991 census, 92 per cent of Chinas population is made up of Han

people. The Dai ethnic group is one of the 55 minority groups making up theremaining 8 per cent of China's population.

The minority groups have many distinctive features such as different

styles of architecture, colorful ornaments and costumes, traditional folk

songs and dances, and marriage customs.

Jinghong is situated in Xishuangbanna in Yunnanc province in south-

west China. In Xishuangbanna there are more than ten minority groups,

including the Dai people. There are a number of different groups of Dai

people. Three of these are the Han Dai, the Flower Belt Dai and the Jinuo

Dai.

The Dai people, like other groups in China, have fascinating marriage

customs quite distinct from the majority of the population. Especially during

festivals, the Dai practice a variety of traditional courtship activities such

asthrowing embroidered bags,countryside fairsandvisiting girls.

Visiting girlsis an ancient courtship tradition for young men and

women which takes place during the agricultural slack season. When all the

lights in the stilt houses have gone out, bonfires are made outside the

village. Dai women sit around the fire, softly turning their spinning wheels.

Silently, groups of young men, usually draped in red blankets, approach

tovisitthe young women, playing guitars or other musical instruments as

they walk around them. Finally, when they have taken a fancy to one of the

women, they slowly walk nearer. If a woman also takes a liking to the man,

she will take out a small stool from under her long skirt and invite him to sit

down beside her. As soon as the man sits down, he wraps the woman up in

his red blanket, and a heart-to-heart talk begins.

Courtship activities may be conducted at any place in any form. For

instance, a young man who goes up a mountain will sing folk songs to

express his interest if he meets a woman who attracts him.


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COURTSHIP AND MARRIAGE IN JAPAN

JOINING hands over a running streamlet was a favorite mode of

Plighting Troths in former times. There is a pretty meaning in this. A modern

poet has well expressed the sentiment in these words:

"Like the waters at our feet, which never cease to flow,

Constant love I crave from thee thro' life, for weal or woe."

One of the most popular love-tokens of a bygone day was the Gimmal

Ring, a name derived from the Latin gemellus, joined, because the ring was

composed of two separate bands fitting into each other with little teeth; thus

allowing them to be divided at a betrothal, and put together again when the

betrothed parties approached the hymeneal altar. Such a ring was devised

to take the place of the Broken Coin, which among the Franks was the usualtoken of the conclusion of a bargain. When lovers plighted their troths in this

way, the separated halves were always invested with mystic qualities in

virtue of the vows of constancy exchanged over them. Sometimes the coin

remained proof against breakage, and was merely bent; in which case a hole

was bored through it, and one or the other of the parties wore it round the

neck on a piece of ribbon, as a sort of talisman capable of warding off

disease and evil spirits. In this we trace the origin of the popular idea that a

coin with a hole in it is lucky. Many allusions to "Bowed Money" occur in the

works of the old dramatists.

It would seem that a Lock of Hair naturally suggested itself to the

minds of men and women as a love token. But this was not the original

meaning of the interchange of such a cherished treasure. In ancient times,

whenever a person of distinction was taken prisoner in war, or held to

ransom while on his travels, his relations were usually apprised of his

captivity by the receipt of a lock of his hair.

The Nuptial Kiss at the Altar is all that remains to us of an ancient

ceremony which always preceded the actual Marriage Service by a longer or

shorter period, according to circumstances. This was the Espousals, or

Solemn Betrothal. Generally speaking, the gift of a betrothal ring by the

bridegroom-elect to the bride-elect was considered sufficiently binding; but

in an age when it was the custom to invite the blessing of the Church upon

all the more serious transactions of life, public espousals were, taking the


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population all round, matters of everyday occurrence. Besides, it often

happened that a love-sick swain was not sufficiently endowed with this

world's goods to give his future wife anything more substantial than an

espousal kiss. When this was the case, he naturally wished all his

acquaintance to bear witness to the fact that the young lady was solemnlyengaged to him, and that he meant to carry out his intention of marrying her

at the earliest opportunity. It was this espousal kiss, before witnesses, which

marked the difference between a sentimental compact, and one of a purely

mundane character. The mere joining of hands following words of promise

sufficed to ratify all ordinary bargains; but when the contractors joined lips

as well as hands, they breathed into each other the breath of life, and their

spiritual union was complete. Yet the kiss and joining of hands was only part

of the espousal ceremony. Like the modern Jews, the betrothed pair went

through a ceremonial which differed only from the actual Marriage Service in

that their mutual promises therein were expressed in the future tense

instead of in the present. In conclusion, they pledged each other in a cup of

wine, as do the Jews and the Russians at the present day. This pledging

each other in wine, it should be observed, is nothing more than a survival of

the once universal custom of parties drinking together in ratification of a

bargain.


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Courtship and Marriage in Korea

Recent days in Korea, there are many different ways of courtship and

marriage. They, Koreans, accept the ways from all around the world, but

there are also some rules that is not changed yet.

First of all, a usual course of courtship is here. A man says I love you

and gives a ring or necklace to a woman with an event. If a woman accepts

that courtship, they tell their parents. They get an appointment and will

meet two families. After meeting, they decide marriage. There is not any

fixed period or ways of courtship. Therefore, there are various ways in

courtship. Man sometimes uses candles, call event companies, or be helped

their friends, etc for giving her a jewel for success courtship.

There are various ways of marriage in Korea. Generally, they marry

the way that western people do. A bride wears a wedding dress, a husband

wears tuxedo. However, recent days, people challenge another ways of

marriage. They marry in water, in the sky, anywhere inside or outside. They

sometimes take Choson Dynasty generations marriage way. Not changed

one is that after marriage, a man and wife go on a honeymoon.

In Korea, it keeps springing up new ways of courtship and marriage.

With some not changed rules, they create more impressive and fun ways.

They usually review the old and learning the new. That is the modern way of

Korean courtship and marriage.


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Courtship and Marriage in Taiwan

Courtship.The typical courtship began in church or at a family

celebration. While in the past parents often chose their childrens spouses

with an eye to increasing the familys wealth or landholdings, by the midnineteenth century most young people, and many parents, believed that

men and women should marry for love. This romantic idea of love based on

mutual attraction was reinforced by sentimental poetry and short stories in

magazines such as theLadiesRepositoryand Godeys Ladys

Book.Permission from parents was still important, but young people often

followed their own inclinations, even in the South, where parents still

exercised greater control over their childrens lives. Most young people

frowned on flirtations. The notion that someone wouldmake up toa

person of the opposite sex without serious intentions of marriage wasconsideredfast,not to say disreputable. Although this rule applied to both

men and women, criticism of the female flirt was sharper.

Engagement and Marriage.Long engagements were common; it

was not considered proper for a young couple to marry until the man could

support his wife in a decent home and until the bride had collected her bridal

clothes and established her trousseau, which included such important items

as bedding, linens, curtains, and kitchen-ware. Engagements could be

broken off for several reasons, usually misunderstandings, jealousies, or the

discovery that ones partner was not compatible. Before 1860 the typical

couple was married at the brides home in the presence of immediate family

members and a few close friends. During the 1860s and 1870s middle-class

weddings became more elaborate. The brides family often sent engraved

invitations to a wide range of relatives and acquaintances. Church weddings

became more common because the typical family parlor could not hold all

the guests, and weddings were often followed by lavish receptions. Many

middle-class brides who could afford to do so wore flowing white gowns and

veils, a style that originated with wealthy women in the 1830s. American

brides and grooms married somewhat later than their European

counterparts. By 1860 most Americans were in their early to mid twenties

when they married, with the average age somewhat lower in the South.

Slave women married in their late teens and began their child-bearing years

around the age of nineteen.


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Courtship and Marriage in Singapore

Courtship is a period that is essential for building a successful

relationship and maintaining it for years to come. It serves as the time when

two individuals decide if a future together is possible or not. It also offers

them an opportunity to build the much needed trust and love for their

relationship. While there is no rigid guide that defines the necessary steps

you must take during the courtship, but here are a few tips will make this

time more favourable and memorable for the two of you.

Understand your partners life and lifestyle

Courtship is not just about love songs, romantic cards, a fortune spent

on flowers or gifts. It is a time to get to know the person who is going to

become your life partner. Share your likes and dislikes, hobbies andinterests with each other. Learn about each others lifestyle. Take time to

learn things that make your better-half happy, and consider doing them

together. For instance, if your would-be enjoys watching cricket, then you

can make plans to watch an upcoming match together over some good food

and drinks.

Contrast and Comparison of the Asian Countries

The largest continent, Asia is 17,500,000 square miles in area, almost

twice the size of N. America. You haven't revealed how you partitioned but I

choose this partition (I'll justify too).

1. West Asia,

2. South & South East Asia,

3. Central Asia,

4. East Asia,

5. North Asia.

1. West Asia : It is largely desert, being the extension of the Great Sahara

from the Atlantic some 5000 km to west. It contrasts this way from other

regions, but compares with Central Asia in this matter. The only two

significant rivers are - Euphrates & Tigris. The region is home to Islam & has

largest deposits of Petroleum & natural gas. Birth place of main Semitic


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religions (Judaism, Christianity & Islam) though Christianity ceased to be

predominantly Asian but became European. It has most contacts with

Central Asia - ethnic, religious & linguistic. It is known (in old Geography

texts) as 'land of 5 seas' - Arabian Sea (with Persian Gulf), Red Sea,

Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea &Caspian Sea that is a land-locked salt waterbody. It has one of the three major Asian peninsulas, Arabia that is also

world's largest.

Broadly it has 3 Cultures - Arab, Persian & Turkish (which is more

Mediterranean).

Countries are- Yemen, Oman, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon,

Syria, Turkey, Iraq, Iran, Azerbaijan, Armenia & Georgia.

2. South & SE Asia : It is the region of the other two Asian southern

peninsulas - Deccan (India) & SE Asia. These two regions with Monsoonclimates, large stretches of Tropical Rain-forests (but systematically

decimated now) and many rivers - Mekong, Salween, Irrawady, Ganga-

Brahmaputra, Godavari, Narmada, Krishna, Mahanadi, Sindhu ('Indus'is

more popular). Singapore almost touches Equator or else none of mainland

Asia comes near it. But the vast Sunda archipelago with 5 great Islands and

3000 more of all sizes straddles Equator. South Asia is separated from rest

of Asia by the lofty 'Himalayas' system of mountain ranges.

It contrasts with West Asia & Central Asia in being very wet (but for

Thar desert part in the North West of India-Pakistan).

Countries -Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, SriLanka, Burma, Thailand,

Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia, Philippines, PauaNuGini, Cambodia,

Laos & Vietnam. The island nation 'Maldives' can be considered a part.

Recently Afghanistan was admitted into South Asian Assn. for regional Co-

operation tagging it with South Asia.

3. Central Asia : Starting with Eastern shore of Caspian Sea, it is all desert

(Karakum, Kyzilkum in Turkmenistan/Uzbekistan), semi desert or steppes

and (predictably) with vast resources of oil & gas. There are two great inland

rivers - Amu Darya & Syr Darya (Darya means river) emptying into a fast

drying inland sea, "Aral Sea". Mountain ranges Pamir knot of mountains,

Hindukush, Kunlun, Altay, Tien Shan give a dry alpine climate in mid

latitudes. A depression below sea level is situated in the midst of these

('Tarim' basin).


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The people are Turkic (not Turkish of Turkey) and all Muslims.

Geographically Mongolia (of Mongols), Xinjiang & Tibet (Buddhist), the

highest plateau (average at 16000') which are parts of China are considered

part of the region.

Countries: Kazakhistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan,

Afghanistan, Xinjian & Tibet regions & Mongolia.

4. East Asia: It has the 'China climate' (Koppen classification) and like South

Asia is fertile and also outlier islands like Japan (Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu

& Shikoku are main), Taiwan, Ryu-kyu chain.

China is a vast with mighty rivers like Yangtze kiang, Hwang Ho and with

Amur forming border of Northern Asia. People are all of Mongol stock

ethnically.

Countries - China, Koreas, Japan, Taiwan.

5. Northern Asia: This 'quarter of Asia' is Russia; 'Siberia' starting on West at

Urals extending to Kamchatka peninsula till Bering straits. Much of its Arctic

coasts is covered up in 'permafrost' that never is seen melting. There are 3

great rivers Ob, Yenisei & Lena flowing north into Arctic Sea, with mouths

into the sea clogged with snow retaining water upstream except in Summer.

Country : Russia (3/4 of it).

Amongst the 5 contrasts abound and without much to compare.

Diversity in Asia in landforms, People, Cultures and climatic zones and even

topography (elevations) is extreme compared to any other continent. It is

difficult to typecast and say 'Asian'; it is futile.

General observation of these asian countries about their courtship

and marriage.

Often, aFilipino male suitor expresses his interest to a woman in a

discreet and friendly manner in order to avoid being perceived as very

"presumptuous or aggressive" or arrogant. Culturally, another gentlemanly

way of seeking the attention of a woman is not to be done by the admirer by

approaching her in the street to casually ask for her address or telephone

number. Although having a series of friendlydates is the normal starting

point in theFilipino way of courting, this may also begin through the process

of "teasing", a process of "pairing off" a potential teenage or adult couple.
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The teasing is done by peers or friends of the couple being matched. The

teasing practice assists in discerning the actual feelings of the male and the

female involved. Traditionally, aFilipino woman is "shy and secretive" about

her feelings for a suitor. On the other hand, theFilipino man fears rejection

by a woman and would like to avoid losing face and embarrassment. Thisteasing phase actually helps in circumventing such an embarrassing

predicament because formal courtship has not yet officially started.

Furthermore, this "testing phase" also helps a man who could be "torpe",

aFilipino term for a suitor who is shy, "stupid", and feels cowardly, and is

innocent and nave in how to court a woman. However, this type of admirer

could overcome his shyness and naivety by asking for the help of a "human

bridge", typically a mutual friend of both the suitor and the admired, or a

close friend of both families. The "human bridge" acts as the suitor's

communicator. Through this "human-bridge", the bachelor can also ask

permission to visit the woman at home from the bachelorette's father. As a

norm, the couple will not be left alone with each other during this first home

visit, because formal introductions to family members are done, which may

be performed by the "human bridge". Informal conversation also takes

place.

During this preliminary evaluation period, the Filipino woman will

either deny her feelings (or the absence of feelings for the suitor) and avoids

her admirer, or does notbecome angry because of the teasing and

encourages the suitor instead. The suitor stops the courtship if he is quitesure that the woman does not reciprocate. But once the female encourages

the suitor to continue, the "teasing stage" comes to a close and a "serious

stage" of Philippine courtship begins. It is within this stage where the couple

engages in a series of group dates,chaperoned dates,or private dates. The

couple later on decides to come out into the open and reveals the status of

their relationship to family members, relatives, and friends. The serious

suitor orboyfriend visits the family of the woman he admires/courts

orgirlfriend in order to formally introduce himself, particularly to the lady's

parents. Bringing gifts orpasalubon(which may include flowers, with cards,or letters, and the like) is also typical. Courting a woman in the Philippines is

described as a courtship that also includes courting the woman's family. The

actual boyfriend-girlfriend relationship may also result from such formal

visits. In the past, particularly in a rural courtship setting, a Filipino man,

accompanied by friends, would engage inserenading the woman he adores
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at night. This serenading practice was an influence adopted by the Filipinos

from theSpaniards.

During the courtship process, a traditional Filipina is expected to play

"hard to get", to act as if not interested, to be notflirty,and show utmost

restraint, modesty, shyness, good upbringing, be well-mannered, demure,and reserved despite having great feelings for her admirer; a behavior

culturally considered appropriate while being courted. This behavior serves

as a tool in measuring the admirer's sincerity and seriousness. The woman

can also have as many suitors, from which she could choose the man that

she finally would want to date. Dating couples are expected to be

conservative and not perform public displays of affection for each other.

Traditionally, some courtship may last a number of years before the Filipino

woman accepts her suitor as a boyfriend. Conservativeness, together with

repressing emotions and affection, was inherited by the Filipino woman fromthe colonial period under the Spaniards, a characteristic referred to as

the Maria Claraattitude.

After the girlfriend-boyfriend stage, engagement, and marriage

follows. With regards to the engagement and pre-marriage stages, Filipino

tradition dictates that the man and his parents perform

thepamamanhikaorpamanhikan(literally, aTagalog word that means "to

go up the stairs of the house" of the girlfriend and her

parents;pamamanhikanis known as tampaor danonto theIlocanos,

aspasagulito thePalaweos, and as kapamalaito theMaranaos). This iswhere and when the man and his parent's formally ask the lady's hand and

blessings from her parents in order tomarry. This is when the formal

introduction of the man's parents and woman's parents happens. Apart from

presents, the Cebuano version of thepamamanhikanincludes bringing in

musicians. After setting the date of the wedding and the dowry, the couple is

considered officially engaged. The dowry, as a norm in the Philippines, is

provided by the grooms family.For the Filipino people, marriage is a union

of two families, not just of two persons. Therefore, marrying well "enhances

the good name" of both families.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Philippines_(1521%E2%80%931898)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flirtinghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tagalog_languagehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilocanoshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palawe%C3%B1oshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maranaohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marriage_and_wedding_customs_in_the_Philippineshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marriage_and_wedding_customs_in_the_Philippineshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maranaohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palawe%C3%B1oshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilocanoshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tagalog_languagehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flirtinghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Philippines_(1521%E2%80%931898)


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PPrroojjeeccttiinnTTLLEE--IIIIII

Submitted by: Allyssa Joie O. Doton

Student

Submitted to: Mrs. Joanna B. Jose

Teacher

courtship & marriage of asian country

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