Chinese people are well known for stressing the importance of symbolism whereby ceremonial significance can sometimes take precedence over literal meaning. For one Chinese man who decided enough was enough, this importance manifested itself in showing his jubilation at finally being freed from his marriage, you know, the thing that is supposed to last forever and be the source of unending happiness.

On November 1, 42 year-old Mr Yang formalized his divorce from his 35 year-old wife in a divorce ceremony that was billed as the "first ever in history" (in China at any rate).

Held on the auspicious day of China’s "mini-Singles Festival", the divorce ceremony was held at the Jianming restaurant in Jinzhou town, Ningxiang County, Hunan Province. The banquet was so elaborate that Yang arranged to have a decorative arch constructed out of inflated balloons at the entrance to the main hall where the festivities were to take place; above this arch was a red banner that boldly stated, "Here's to a happy divorce for Mr Yang, let the good times roll!"

Despite the importance of the occasion, only two tables of 10 people were arranged for this ceremony. The twenty guests, all friends of Mr Yang, were instructed not to provide any hongbao (red envelopes containing lucky money), though fireworks were still permitted.

However, some of Yang's invited guests declined his invitation explaining their refusal to join in the party as "(Yang) has his way of looking at this situation, and we have ours."

Author and expert in human emotions Lu Qi says, "Yang hopes to tell the other party that you are wrong, I am right; it is a form of psychological revenge." Lu concludes by saying, "He hasn't set himself free from the relationship, and so needs to hold this kind of ceremony."

The marriage was the second for both parties, and the two have a child together. Yang’s ex-wife and child were not seen at Yang’s divorce ceremony; they were presumably busy attending their own parties.

Source: iFeng

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Keywords: divorce banquet