The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

MARRIAGE CUSTOM: FORMOSA (TAIWAN)

"UNTIL HALF A CENTURY AGO, RELATIVES AND FRIENDS IN
CHINA HIRED A PROFESSIONAL GO-BETWEEN, USUALLY WOMEN, TO ARRANGE
MARRIAGES BETWEEN CHILDREN. IF THE GO-BETWEEN KNOWS OF A BOY AND A
GIRL THAT WOULD MAKE A GOOD MATCH, BOTH FAMILIES ARE CONSULTED.
IF THEY AGREE, THE BOY'S HOROSCOPE CHARACTERS, THEY ARE CALLED
"EIGHT CHARACTERS", ARE SENT TO THE GIRL'S FAMILY. THE CHARACTERS
ARE PUT UNDER THE FAMILY GOD FOR THREE DAYS, AND THEN CONSULTED TO
SEE WHETHER THEY HARMONIZE WITH THE GIRL'S "EIGHT CHARACTERS".
IF THEY CLASH, THE MARRIAGE IS CALLED OFF WITHOUT ANY DETRIMENT
TO THE GIRL'S GOOD NAME. IF THEY HARMONIZE, A "LITTLE BETROTHEL"
WILL TAKE PLACE ALMOST IMMEDIATELY."

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 02-15-1968