Marriage was more than just a bond

Mutual Respect Between Husband and Wife
During the Han Dynasty, the wife of the esteemed official Liang Hong would, each time she served her husband, lift the tray of food to the level of her eyebrows with both hands, and respectfully invite him to dine. This act of reverence became a well-known expression in Chinese culture: "A husband and wife should respect each other as one would respect a guest."
Likewise, during the Spring and Autumn Period, a man named Xi Que from the Jin Dynasty would always offer food to his wife before serving himself. This simple yet profound courtesy was seen as a mark of noble character. His behavior earned him the admiration of the people and the trust of the emperor, who entrusted him with great responsibilities. The place where he lived even came to be known as "Guest Town"—a place where respect and civility were part of daily life.
In the Qing Dynasty, the renowned scholar Li Yong declared: "Where husband and wife honor each other as they would a guest, they have found the path of the Tao." According to him, when mutual respect exists within the marriage, harmony spreads through the entire family and society. Such households become a foundation for lasting peace, stability, and national prosperity.
In ancient Chinese culture, marriage was far more than a social arrangement—it was a spiritual and ethical bond, built upon deep mutual respect. A husband and wife were expected to treat each other with the same reverence and sincerity they would extend to a cherished guest. Through such mutual honor, the family became a sanctuary of harmony, and society, a reflection of inner order.

https://en.minghui.org/html/articles/2005/9/14/64865.html


Music License:
Title: Dream Painter
Artist: Tony Chen
(Minghui.org)

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