Domestic Affairs

'Til death do us part

By Zhao Huanxin (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2010-11-26 14:00

The deaths of He Peizhi and her husband, both 91 years old, in the suburb of Wuhan in Central China on Wednesday have brought us more inspiration than grief.

Four hours after the nonagenarian passed away, her spouse, Mr. Ding Youchang, died in an armchair of "deep sorrow," the Chutian Metropolis Daily reported on Thursday.

Wed in 1941, the couple had gone through nearly 70 years without even the trivial strife in their everyday lives. To understand how they cared for each other, the report said Ding, who developed senile dementia four years ago, knew nobody but his wife and remembered to make sure she had meals when she was ill.

They are survived by seven children, all of whom, following the example of and taking pride in their parents, have also led "harmonious and happy" lives, according to the news report. So was fulfilled the vow of " 'til death do us part," an ideal that traditional Chinese couples have long cherished.

For ages, the biggest wish relatives and friends sent to newlyweds was nothing more than "living together until your hair turns white," and a man and woman in love will pledge to "share a bed when alive, and a graveyard when dead."

But things have changed rapidly in China. Family bonds seem to be as fragile as china. At least 2.47 million couples, for instance, divorced in China last year, a rise of almost 9 percent from 2008, according to the Ministry of Civil Affairs. This is almost on par with the country's economic growth rate.

In addition to the staggering separation rate, we have been bombarded with reports of one night stands and of unscrupulous officials keeping secret mistresses, so much so that we are bewildered and sometimes doubt whether the morals of society will ever change for the better, and whether genuine love exists.

But still there is something deeply rooted in our minds, despite the temptations and hardships of life. The death of the old couple in Wuhan has drawn flocks of neighbors and relatives to pay their last respects and heated discussions in Internet chat rooms. This is a testament to the fact that people are not only awed by the coincidental ending of the old couple’s life story, but are moved and inspired by the love and felicity of a good marriage.

In this sense, the death of the old couple has presented a life lesson for us all.