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In China, ghost marriages involve living individuals marrying deceased ones to prevent loneliness in the afterlife. Despite being outlawed, this 3,000-year-old practice persists in some rural areas
Ghost weddings in China are superstitious practices where a living person marries a corpse to end their perceived celibacy in the afterlife. (Representative/Shutterstock)
Marriage is traditionally seen as the union of two people and their families, often symbolised by a ceremony where a couple pledges their love and commitment to each other. Many cultures celebrate weddings with various rituals and customs. However, in some places, this union takes a very different form, with girls marrying corpses.
In China, this unusual practice is known as a ghost marriage. This custom, dating back around 3,000 years, involves marrying the dead.
The reason behind this ghost marriage tradition might be a surprise for many. Followers believe it helps unmarried people avoid loneliness in the afterlife.
In this practice, living individuals marry deceased ones. Similar to a matchmaker for the living, the family of a deceased son or daughter in China hires a Feng Shui master to find a suitable match. The deceased is then retrieved from the graveyard, dressed as a bride or groom, and married in a formal ceremony.
This practice is primarily found in rural areas. Some locals believe that if a married woman’s tomb is built near an unmarried man’s grave, he will not remain a bachelor in his next life. These marriages are costly, with families spending large amounts of money. Despite being outlawed by the Chinese government, ghost marriages still occur in some regions.
In essence, ghost weddings in China are superstitious practices where a living person marries a corpse to end their perceived celibacy in the afterlife, ensuring the deceased does not feel lonely.
