Weeping Brides Of China

Weddings are often an emotional affair, but for the Tujia ethnic in China crying is a required part of preparation for marriage.

A month before their forthcoming nuptials, Tujia brides will cry for one hour each day.

Ten days into the ritual, the bride is joined by her mother and ten days after that, the bride’s grandmother joins the weeping duo and eventually other female family members will join in the cacophony of crying.

Termed Zuo Tang in the western Sichuan province, the ritual is said to date back to China’s Warring States era when the mother of a Zhao princess broke down in tears at her wedding.

Titilayo Kupoliyi