New Delhi: China’s divorce rate has been steadily increasing, while marriage rates have plummeted over the last decade. This societal shift has led to an unusual trend—divorcees are paying significant amounts to shred their wedding photos and other mementos of failed marriages.
This booming industry offers emotional closure for many, allowing them to move on from unhappy relationships. It has become a reflection of the growing number of divorces and the changing views on marriage in Chinese society.
Chinese divorcees are paying to shred wedding photos
In today’s world, pre-wedding and wedding photography have become standard traditions. Couples invest thousands of dollars in elaborate photo shoots, multiple outfits, and stunning venues to capture their marital joy. But in China, an interesting new trend is shaking things up.
Instead of celebrating their wedding photos, many Chinese divorcees are now paying top dollar to have them professionally shredded. This unique service is booming due to the country’s rising divorce rates and declining marriage numbers.
Declining marriage rates and rising divorce numbers
China’s marriage rates have been steadily falling. According to official statistics, marriages dropped from over 13 million in 2013 to fewer than seven million in 2022. The National Bureau of Statistics reports that this is the lowest rate since records began in 1985. Though there was a small rise in marriages last year, reaching eight million, the downward trend remains a concern.
While marriages are on the decline, divorces have surged. In 2019, China saw a record high of 4.7 million divorces more than four times the figure from two decades ago.
New laws to curb divorce rates
In an attempt to address the growing divorce numbers, the Chinese government introduced a new law in 2021. This law includes a mandatory 30-day “cooling-off” period before a divorce can be finalized, hoping to give couples time to reconsider. However, the booming shredding industry reflects that many still choose to end their marriages.
Emotional release behind shredding memories
For many divorcees, shredding wedding photos and mementoes provides a sense of closure. These symbolic actions allow individuals to let go of painful memories, turning the page on unhappy chapters of their lives. As divorce rates continue to rise, more people are finding comfort in saying goodbye to their wedding memories through these services.
As more people opt to destroy their wedding memories, this trend symbolizes the changing landscape of marriage and divorce in China. The rise in divorce rates has fostered creative ways for individuals to find closure and move forward.
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