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Hoping for a golden little pig

Posted: Monday, January 22, 2007 11:13 AM
Filed Under:

By Adrienne Mong, NBC News Producer

Even for a feisty Shanghai local, which our fixer Millie most definitely is, she was being pushy. 

"I really need the work," she said. We were stomping our feet in the damp chill of Shanghai's busy tourist shopping area, Nanjing Lu, as our correspondent and crew wrapped up shooting a standup. We were working in Shanghai just for the weekend.

"You don't understand, Adrienne," she said, when I didn't respond. "From last December through February, I have to go to six weddings!"

Ouch. Attending weddings can be an expensive affair anywhere in the world, but especially in China, where guests are expected to give the bride and groom cash.

And the going rate is steep. In a country where a middle-class monthly salary can average roughly $250, single guests are expected to give $100 and couples are expected to give $125. But families -- and since Millie and her husband have a two-year-old daughter, they're considered a family -- are expected to fork over $200 to the very happy couple.

When I asked Millie why there was such a wedding crush in eight weeks time, she reminded me that the Year of the Pig was coming upon us -- the Chinese New Year is Feb. 18.   

Year of the Golden Pig
In the Chinese horoscope, some of the 12 zodiac animals are considered lucky, including the pig. And this year, which is the fifth Year of the Pig and falls every 60 years, is known as the Year of the Golden Pig.

What this means is that couples are rushing to get married so that they can have babies during the Year of the Golden Pig. Children born in this auspicious year are believed to be destined for great material wealth and happiness, since their guardian pig is said to be under the influence of gold and never worries about anything beyond food and sleep.

And even though Chinese authorities discourage such values, dismissing them as superstitions, many Chinese still practice these beliefs, and local media have predicted a baby boom in cities like Shanghai.

"Everyone wants to give birth to a little pig," said Millie. 

I gave her a look. "Ok, yes, I admit, we'll need you for both days this weekend."

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Comments

I suppose individuality is not highly valued in China. It's not very highly valued here in the USA, either. 'Tradition' has to be the most idiotic reason to do anything, ever. This woman feels totally stressed out over stupid traditions. She needs to learn to say "I can't afford it, sorry!". Imagine...being stressed out because your 'friends' expect you to help pay for their marriage. A true friend would understand that you don't have the funds. I suppose she would be shunned if she didn't deliver on the expected funds.

Sean, Torrington CT (Sent Monday, January 22, 2007 11:28 AM)

Individuality in China - is there such a thing? Capitalism is thriving and getting rich off your wedding is one of them. If you don't show up after a formal invitation was given, you will be shunned and the gossip mongers will be calling you and your family cheap until hell freezes over. Obviously, the happy couple does not look into the mirror and observe how obnoxious and cheap they are in their off the rack rented gowns and tuxedos.

Sue NYC (Sent Monday, January 22, 2007 1:11 PM)

Obviously, the other two people that gave an opinion knows nothing about the Chinese culture. The woman is stressed but saving face will be the reason she comes up with the money. Its part of the Chinese culture. Someday, her daughter will be married and she will expect the same for her. Be sensitive to other cultures when you make comments.

Jada, Boston, MA (Sent Monday, January 22, 2007 2:32 PM)

Give what you can, and don't give what you can't. What's the big deal. Tell them you're poor and you're on welfare.

Gentle Poor Man, Long Island (Sent Monday, January 22, 2007 2:57 PM)

I agree with Jada. Most Asian cultures are based on long standing traditions that are centuries old. And to show disrespect is one of the most serious offenses of this culture.

slee,Cullman,AL (Sent Monday, January 22, 2007 3:21 PM)

Jada is right. Most Americans know little about other cultures and are quick to pass judgement about things they do not understand.

Courtney, Denver, CO (Sent Monday, January 22, 2007 3:52 PM)

Is this really any different than some of the expectations we have here? Has anyone heard of Christmas presents? Hostess gifts? Baby showers? Bar mitzvahs? There's so much pressure to make the amount that we care be equal to the amount we give. It's amazing we're not all bankrupt.

B. Smith Charlotte, North Carolina (Sent Monday, January 22, 2007 4:16 PM)

These are people, just like you and I. They deserve respect and not to be belittled for their beliefs. Have you ever been to China? The people there are genuine and kind. Many of them are extremely poor - more so then many of us can even imagine. Tradition may be one of the few things they do have. Is it our place to judge that?

Amy Blake, Des Moines Iowa (Sent Monday, January 22, 2007 9:47 PM)

I also agree with Jada. I mean, true, there should be some individuality, but it is based on a very old tradition, and things have probably been like that for what? hundreds of years? And usually just telling them you're poor wouldn't really be so awesome. If you arrive at the wedding, you should give a good and worthy gift. And if you don't go unless you have something important to do, it might be considered... not very polite. I mean, I'm Chinese, I know pretty much what things are like. You guys have to look at it from the woman's point of view.

Jaene, Los Angeles, CA (Sent Monday, January 22, 2007 10:43 PM)



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