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“In the past, a wife’s purpose was not just to continue the family lineage, but also to endure this shameful act”

The plight of women in the past evokes feelings of sympathy in many. Especially those women who were married off as second wives.

Administrator

16 March, 2024

In ancient Chinese society, it was not uncommon for “servant girls” to accompany noble daughters when they got married. These women were entrusted with the task of continuing to take care of the daughter after she entered her husband’s house.

Specifically, some of these servant girls could even be married off to the daughter’s husband as concubines, becoming “secondary wives”. However, due to their low social status, they would often not be married with the same dignity as the formal wife.

However, due to their low social status, the concubines were often not married with the same dignity as the formal wife.

There was an old saying: “It’s better to be the wife of a poor man than the concubine of a wealthy family”. The reason being that even as concubines in wealthy households, these women were still not respected due to their poor backgrounds.

They were often looked down upon and oppressed by the main wife and the husband, and even had to work hard like ordinary maids. However, there was a chance for a better life if the concubine gave birth to a son who could continue the family lineage. In fact, this was often the main purpose for taking in concubines. In the case of having a son, the concubine mother would have less contact with the child, but still remained a strong support for the family.

In addition to taking concubines to bear children, wealthy men in ancient feudal society also used women as gifts or for exchange in return for goods or opportunities. This behavior reflected a deep-seated belief in “valuing males and devaluing females” within the community. However, this manner of behavior not only lacked humanity but also caused harm to women.

Women in feudal times had to face many difficult emotions. Those from wealthy families had the opportunity to choose their main wives and find suitable husbands. On the other hand, girls from poor families were often forced to marry rich men to repay debts or bear children as concubines. Even in the lucky case of finding a “perfect match” to marry, their lives were still more difficult and bitter compared to being concubines of others.

Frequently asked questions

Due to their low social status, concubines were often not afforded the same dignity as formal wives. An old saying reflects this: “It’s better to be the wife of a poor man than the concubine of a wealthy family”. Concubines were often looked down upon and had to work like ordinary maids. However, if a concubine gave birth to a son, she could gain a better life as the child could continue the family lineage.

In ancient feudal society, wealthy men often took concubines to bear children. This was often the main purpose, as a son born to a concubine could continue the family name and lineage.

Women in feudal times experienced a range of difficult emotions. Those from wealthy families had some agency, being able to choose their main wives and suitable husbands. However, girls from poor families often faced forced marriages to rich men to repay debts or became concubines themselves. Even in the case of a “perfect match”, their lives were often more difficult than that of a concubine.

The practice of taking concubines and using women as gifts or exchange reflects a deep-seated belief in the community that valued males over females. This behavior not only lacked humanity but also caused harm to women.