Engagement is an important step in the process of getting married, and it is a customary practice in many cultures around the world. In China, engagement is known as "Guo Da Li" (过大礼), which literally means "to cross over the big ceremony." However, engagement in China is not just a cultural tradition, but also a legally binding agreement between the two families.
According to Chinese law, engagement is a formal agreement between two families to allow their children to get married. The engagement is a contract that outlines the conditions and terms of the marriage, including the date and location of the wedding, the amount of dowry, and the obligations of each party. The engagement contract is binding, and breaking it can result in legal consequences.Breaking the engagement contract can result in legal consequences, and the new civil code has made it easier for couples to seek compensation if the contract is breached. It is important to note that the engagement contract is not the same as a marriage contract, which is a legally binding agreement that is signed after the wedding ceremony.
One of the most important aspects of the engagement contract is the dowry, which is a payment made by the groom's family to the bride's family. The dowry is usually a substantial amount of money, and it is seen as a way for the groom's family to show their sincerity and commitment to the marriage. In some cases, the dowry can also include gifts such as jewelry, furniture, and other valuable items.
The engagement contract also outlines the responsibilities of each party. For example, the groom's family may be responsible for providing a home for the newlyweds, while the bride's family may be responsible for providing financial support for the couple. The contract also includes provisions for how disputes will be resolved and how the engagement can be terminated.The engagement contract in China also outlines the responsibilities of each party. For example, the groom's family may be responsible for providing a home for the newlyweds, while the bride's family may be responsible for providing financial support for the couple. The contract may also include provisions for how disputes will be resolved, what happens if one of the parties backs out of the engagement, and any other terms or conditions agreed upon by the two families. The engagement contract serves as a preliminary agreement that sets the stage for the marriage and helps ensure that both families are on the same page before the wedding ceremony takes place.
It is important to note that the engagement contract is not the same as a marriage contract. The engagement contract is a preliminary agreement that sets the stage for the marriage, while the marriage contract is a legally binding agreement that is signed after the wedding ceremony.
In recent years, there have been some changes to the legal requirements for engagement in China. For example, in 2020, the Chinese government passed a new civil code that allows couples to sue each other for breach of engagement. This means that if one party breaks the engagement contract, the other party can seek compensation through the courts.
In conclusion, engagement in China is not just a cultural tradition, but also a legally binding agreement between two families. The engagement contract outlines the conditions and terms of the marriage, including the amount of dowry, the obligations of each party, and the provisions for how disputes will be resolved. Breaking the engagement contract can result in legal consequences, and the new civil code has made it easier for couples to seek compensation if the contract is breached.
