China
January-5th-2009, 07:00 PM
I realize this story is nine years old, but I came across it and since none of us were here 9 years ago, I thought I'd post it.
Taiwan bride is a real doll (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/555728.stm)
A Taiwanese man has tried to appease the restless spirit of his dead wife by marrying a Barbie doll.
Chang Hsi-hsum, 46, married the 28cm (11 inch) plastic doll during an elaborate ceremony at his local Buddhist temple.
He believes the doll houses the spirit of his wife, Tsai, who killed herself 20 years ago because his family opposed their marriage.
The ceremony appeared to be a wedding like any other, with the bride's anxious family waiting outside the temple for the groom's arrival beforehand.
The bride wore a wedding dress, complete with gold jewellery and rings.
As part of the ceremony a paper model of a red Mercedes car, representing part of Tsai's dowry, was burnt, so she could make use of it in the spirit world.
And a gold necklace that had belonged to Tsai was placed on the doll.
After the wedding, Chang and his new bride returned to their home, together with an urn which contained Tsai's ashes.
Click on the link for the full article
Taiwan bride is a real doll (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/555728.stm)
A Taiwanese man has tried to appease the restless spirit of his dead wife by marrying a Barbie doll.
Chang Hsi-hsum, 46, married the 28cm (11 inch) plastic doll during an elaborate ceremony at his local Buddhist temple.
He believes the doll houses the spirit of his wife, Tsai, who killed herself 20 years ago because his family opposed their marriage.
The ceremony appeared to be a wedding like any other, with the bride's anxious family waiting outside the temple for the groom's arrival beforehand.
The bride wore a wedding dress, complete with gold jewellery and rings.
As part of the ceremony a paper model of a red Mercedes car, representing part of Tsai's dowry, was burnt, so she could make use of it in the spirit world.
And a gold necklace that had belonged to Tsai was placed on the doll.
After the wedding, Chang and his new bride returned to their home, together with an urn which contained Tsai's ashes.
Click on the link for the full article