QUESTION:
In China's southwestern
province of Guizhou, the Miao people are very
superstitious, with strong beliefs in spirits
and demons. Before a bride and groom are "approved"
for marriage, a chicken is killed in front
of the parents of the parties concerned.
After the chicken is cooked
whole, the size of both its eyes are examined.
If both eyes are identical, it symbolizes
a blissful union. But if they are of different
size, it is considered a bad omen, and the
wedding plans canceled.
What happens if either party
breaks the engagement after the chicken ceremony
has taken place:
A. They go to the local court
house for the judge to decide;
B. The wronged family gets to keep and eat
the chicken;
C. The eyes must be eaten by the party 'chickening'
out of the wedding;
D. They must pay the other family silver according
to the weight of the chicken.
ANSWER:
D is right or course. The weight
of the chicken is therefore of great importance.
Either party that breaks an engagement after
the formal announcement must pay the other
party an amount of silver equivalent to the
weight of the chicken.
