Divorcing Chinese couple instructed on chicken division: Consume the odd chicken for fair distribution
In a unique twist to a divorce case in southwestern China, an estranged couple found themselves in a dispute over 29 chickens. The couple, a woman surnamed Tu from a village in Sichuan province and her husband Yang, had their main income from livestock farming and apart from their self-built homes, they had no major assets.
The divorce proceedings in this case do not rely solely on strict legal rules. Instead, traditional Chinese wisdom, deeply rooted in Confucian thought, is guiding the resolution of this personal conflict.
The shared meal embodies the Confucian concept of li, which fosters respect and balance, even in times of separation. Li, referring to ritual propriety in Confucian philosophy, emphasizes acting with appropriate decorum, fulfilling social responsibilities, and maintaining harmony.
In this context, the idea of eating a chicken as a farewell meal is a practical and symbolic gesture. A judge suggested they partake in this ritual before finalizing their divorce, a suggestion based on traditional Chinese wisdom.
This event illustrates the influence of Confucian thought in modern Chinese society. Confucian li shapes how people fulfill their roles, demonstrating respect and responsibility in relationships, even during personal disputes. It emphasizes acting with appropriate decorum, fulfilling social responsibilities, and maintaining harmony, rather than through acrimony or selfishness.
It is worth noting that Yang occasionally took on odd jobs to supplement their income. Local regulations allowed them to decide the ownership of their homes due to coming from different villages. Despite their humble beginnings, the couple's dispute is being resolved in line with Confucian ideals, reflecting the Confucian emphasis on maintaining social harmony, even during personal conflicts.
In essence, li provides a framework for resolving conflicts through respect, proper conduct, and fulfillment of ethical duties rather than through exploitation or disrespect. This unique divorce case serves as a reminder of the enduring influence of Confucian thought in shaping social norms and interactions in China, even in the modern era.
- In the resolution of their divorce, it's evident that the couple's lifestyle, heavily influenced by their home-and-garden livestock farming and adherence to traditional Chinese wisdom, is a significant factor in determining the outcome of their dispute.
- Embodying the Confucian concept of li, a suggested farewell meal of eating a chicken serves as a practical and symbolic gesture, demonstrating societal responsibility and maintaining harmony amidst personal conflicts, further emphasizing the lasting influence of Confucian thought in current Chinese culture.
