13 Jun 2016

What Was Flouncing?

Flouncing was a special party held for an engaged couple to meet with friends of both families. This “flouncing” established a formal contract. If either changed his mind about the marriage, the other could lay claim to half of his, or her, property. Following a flouncing, the couple could no longer be seen with, or be found talking to, other suitors. In China, the betrothal was looked upon as a family obligation. If an engaged man died before the wedding, his intended bride was treated as his widow.