100 kindergardners "wed"

Miss Mimi
By Miss Mimi

Children Married In Mock Chinese Wedding

A group of Chinese kindergartners recently got lessons in reading, writing and... romance?

More than 100 children from a kindergarten in China's Henan province got "married" in a mock wedding on Friday, according to local newspaper Zengzou Evening News. The exercise was a lesson in family life and relationships, the school's principal, Li Wang, told the paper.

The students chose their own partners, who they then had to "woo" (for example, by giving each other toys or chocolate). On the "wedding day," the girls wore wedding dresses and the boys wore suits as they exchanged rings and vows, which included promises such as sticking up for one another if they are bullied. Some of the kids even kissed.

Li said this ceremony wasn't the school's first, although it was the biggest. Click here to see photos.

"This teaches them about relationships and how to maintain them and what we should all be working towards," Li told the UK's Orange News. "They're taught to be kind and thoughtful."

Though the wedding had the support of the kids' parents, it has been criticized for potentially distorting the children's views of relationships, according to Women of China.

*********************************************************

I don't know. I like the whole "sticking up for one another if bullied" and no doubt it will create a lasting bond of friendship for the kids. But "wooing" ?

By FathimaH• 16 Jan 2013 14:19
FathimaH

but that's just a personal preference. I just prefer that kids play kids games! Y'know running, jumping, skipping... leave the lovie dovie stuff for later!

By petjack100• 16 Jan 2013 14:19
petjack100

its always gud to have a trial run

By mohdinsaf• 16 Jan 2013 13:02
mohdinsaf

yess...i too was one of them and what an experience it was

By Iamthexxx• 16 Jan 2013 11:43
Iamthexxx

wont it confuse the little ones?

By britexpat• 16 Jan 2013 11:04
britexpat

I would agree. safer than Doctors and Nurses :O)

By nomerci• 16 Jan 2013 11:00
nomerci

Well, at least it was a "mock" wedding...

By Miss Mimi• 16 Jan 2013 10:50
Miss Mimi

I guess you could kind of look at it like that Brit. But China is fairly conservative, so I don't think having the kids enter into common-law living arrangements would fly their. :P

You all know how I feel about marriage (not necessary) and I still think the values they're teaching these kids is good. And they get the fun of playing dress up. Win-win!

By britexpat• 16 Jan 2013 10:44
Rating: 2/5
britexpat

As per one paper ..

"The ceremony is a good opportunity to instill the children with healthy views of marriage," the head of the kindergarten surnamed Li told the paper.

Teachers reportedly asked the question, "Why do you choose to marry," to which all the children responded at once - "because I love him (or her), after which the bridegrooms kneeled down and put wedding rings on their brides' fingers, hugged and kissed.

The teachers told the Zhengzhou Evening News that children who had participated in the ceremony were more responsible, had better relationships with other children and exhibited more confidence.

Could we label this as a form of indoctrination ?

By anonymous• 16 Jan 2013 10:42
anonymous

Then just let them do it by themselves, do not do it for them. Just let it come out naturally.

By Baburao-Ganpatrao-Apte• 16 Jan 2013 10:42
Baburao-Ganpatrao-Apte

miss mimi then when did u grow up :)

By Miss Mimi• 16 Jan 2013 10:40
Miss Mimi

I remember doing a mock wedding with my "boyfriend" when I was in kindergarden. I think mock weddings go pretty hand in hand with childhood. It's playing at imitating adults.

By anonymous• 16 Jan 2013 10:39
anonymous

Why don't we just let kids be kids? Why do we mess them up with grown-up stuff at such a young age?!

By Miss Mimi• 16 Jan 2013 10:35
Miss Mimi

Of course Brit. But I think it makes more of an impact when you're a kid. People don't tend to get bullied much as adults. Or at least you shouldn't.

By Baburao-Ganpatrao-Apte• 16 Jan 2013 10:33
Baburao-Ganpatrao-Apte

we divorce when we grow up

By britexpat• 16 Jan 2013 10:29
britexpat

Don't we do the same when we grow up ?

Log in or register to post comments

More from Qatar Living

Qatar’s top beaches for water sports thrills

Qatar’s top beaches for water sports thrills

Let's dive into the best beaches in Qatar, where you can have a blast with water activities, sports and all around fun times.
Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part Two

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part Two

This guide brings you the top apps that will simplify the use of government services in Qatar.
Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part One

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part One

this guide presents the top must-have Qatar-based apps to help you navigate, dine, explore, access government services, and more in the country.
Winter is coming – Qatar’s seasonal adventures await!

Winter is coming – Qatar’s seasonal adventures await!

Qatar's winter months are brimming with unmissable experiences, from the AFC Asian Cup 2023 to the World Aquatics Championships Doha 2024 and a variety of outdoor adventures and cultural delights.
7 Days of Fun: One-Week Activity Plan for Kids

7 Days of Fun: One-Week Activity Plan for Kids

Stuck with a week-long holiday and bored kids? We've got a one week activity plan for fun, learning, and lasting memories.
Wallet-friendly Mango Sticky Rice restaurants that are delightful on a budget

Wallet-friendly Mango Sticky Rice restaurants that are delightful on a budget

Fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a sweet escape into the world of budget-friendly Mango Sticky Rice that's sure to satisfy both your cravings and your budget!
Places to enjoy Mango Sticky Rice in  high-end elegance

Places to enjoy Mango Sticky Rice in high-end elegance

Delve into a world of culinary luxury as we explore the upmarket hotels and fine dining restaurants serving exquisite Mango Sticky Rice.
Where to celebrate World Vegan Day in Qatar

Where to celebrate World Vegan Day in Qatar

Celebrate World Vegan Day with our list of vegan food outlets offering an array of delectable options, spanning from colorful salads to savory shawarma and indulgent desserts.