Marriage

The men and women of the Yao are given a chance to find their lover through the many different festivals that are held throughout the year. The parents do have to give consent to the couple, but the parents are not involved in any other way. Yao weddings are usually expensive and elaborate. The groom has to pay the brides family a sizeable amount, it is considered a brides price. If the man can not afford this amount then he must live with the wife's family to pay off this debt. This causes a man to be looked down upon. Living with the brides family only happens when a groom can not pay the amount otherwise they will live with the grooms family. In the Yao culture divorces and remarriages are permitted.
 
Many Yao do live in extended family households. Typical households will have parents, unmarried children and one or more married sons with their families. The youngest child will usually live with their parents permanently and take care of them when they are in their old age. After the parents death the youngest child gets the house and the rest of the siblings split the remaining property. 
Bride being carried.

Bringing gifts to bride.

 

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