Society

'Elegant' divorce ceremonies come to China

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-05-18 18:15

BEIJING - Does the final termination of a marital union deserve its own ceremony? If Love, a company that specializes in marriages, divorce and psychological services, certainly believes so, and has begun promoting divorce ceremonies on its website haohehaosan.net.

The Hebei Youth Daily, based in North China's Hebei province, reported on Tuesday that If Love commenced operations last week in the capital city of Shijiazhuang. It is believed to be the first to offer divorce ceremonies in China.

According to If Love, "a ceremony is necessary for both weddings and divorces, which is an elegant approach for love."

Shu Qing, one of the company's five founders, told Xinhua on Wednesday that modern society's high divorce rate means that some people will want to bid farewell to their unhappy marriages through formal ceremonies.

"For those couples who really can't reconcile, a divorce ceremony can be a rational way to prevent hurting each other," said Shu, a 29-year-old married mother.

According to the newspaper, statistics show that 98,478 couples divorced last year in Hebei province, among the highest in the country.

"Our company endeavors to provide estranged couples a sense of closure and peace through the ceremony that will allow them to let go of their negative feelings," Shu said.

At the moment, the divorce ceremony is partially free, and while there have been many inquires, no couple has yet signed up for service, Shu said.

Tian Xiumei, a psychological expert at Hebei Normal University, called the concept a "worthy attempt," and said a ceremony with special warmth could help the husband and wife understand each other.

Tian's view echoes the sentiment of American humorist Helen Rowland, who wrote, "When two people decide to get a divorce, it isn't a sign they don't understand each other, but a sign that they have at last begun to."

News of the ceremonies sparked an Internet discussion.  Feng Xiaowen, a 28-year young man who divorced last year, said he can't accept the divorce ceremonies, as they might cause troubled couples to recall the sweet memories and then hesitate to end the unhappy marriage.

"The pain might be prolonged," Feng said.

However, an Internet user identified as "yunzhuiyue" said the ceremonies are laudable.

"To have the courage to go through a divorce ceremony proves those involved can directly face reality," the posting stated.

Opinions vary, but Shu and her company believes an actual divorce ceremony will be held soon.

"We will promote the ceremony as a way for divorced couples to show respect to each other, gain relief and then begin their new lives," Shu said.