In the secular concept of feudal society, a widely circulated saying "It is better to die poor than to marry a wife" profoundly reflects the taboo and pressure of "having a wife" in the society at that time. So, what exactly does "wife" mean? Why were the ancients so taboo about marrying a "biological wife"? So much so that a transcendent advisory was formed?
First, we need to understand deeply"Giving birth to a wife"The meaning of the word. At first,"Giving birth to a wife"It simply refers to a young wife, but its meaning has gradually changed over time. In ancient societies, divorced wives were often dismissed for offending the so-called"Seven out"standards, such as failure to have children, infidelity, unfilial piety, etc. These standards appear to be fair, but in fact they are riddled with traces of manipulation. Therefore,"Giving birth to a wife"Eventually, they became synonymous with abandoned wives, who were burdened with stigma and suffered from the cold eyes and discrimination of society.
This taboo against "having a wife" stems from the strict etiquette of feudal society and the concept of male superiority and inferiority of women. In feudal times, marriage was not only a private affair between two people, but also a marriage between two families, or even between two families. Therefore, when choosing a wife, men should consider not only personal preferences, but also the reputation and status of the family. If you marry a woman who is regarded as a "biological wife", she will often be opposed and rejected by her family and society, and even affect the reputation and status of the original family.
So, why were the ancients so taboo about marrying a "biological wife"? The reason for this is actually out of the ultimate pursuit of female purity and the firm dedication to the purity of the family blood. The deeper factor is to avoid the potential contradictions behind the "seven outs" clause. For example, the truth behind the "childless" article is often the responsibility of both husband and wife, but it is often the woman who bears the consequences in the end. The injustice of this system made "having a wife" a pain point that was difficult to touch in ancient society. In that era of patriarchy, women's fate was often dominated by men. Even couples who love each other deeply struggle to break free from social norms and family pressures.
For example, the story of Shen Fu and Yun Niang in "Six Tales of Floating Life" fully demonstrates the discrimination and rejection of "biological wives" in society at that time. Although Shen Fu and Yun Niang loved each other deeply, they were unable to resist the pressure of their family and society in the end, which eventually led to a tragic ending. This story profoundly reveals the harshness and injustice of the marriage system in feudal society, as well as the fragility and uncontrollability of women's fate. The common saying "I would rather die poor than marry a wife" is not only a wake-up call for men, but also a profound criticism of the marriage system and social atmosphere at that time. It reveals the reality of women's low status and lack of human rights in ancient societies, as well as the complex family concept and the influence of social morality on the fate of individuals.
With the development of the times, the status of women has gradually improved, and this outdated concept has also been gradually eliminated. Today, we should cherish everyone's rights and choices even more, and respect and protect the dignity of women. By understanding history, we are not only able to better understand the past, but also to better shape the future.
Ancient"Giving birth to a wife"They are like a mirror of history, reflecting the path we are on. Their stories are like a beacon that illuminates our way forward and guides us to write a happy chapter for everyone with wisdom and courage in the new era. Their experiences make us reflect deeply, keep vigilant, and inspire us to always keep a clear head and firm belief on the road of pursuing happiness. Let us remember the history, cherish the present, create the future, and make unremitting efforts for everyone's happiness.