Patriots delay marriage vows
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2005-09-15 08:44

In a sign of rising patriotism, many engaged couples in the northeastern city of Harbin have refused to get married this coming Sunday, September 18, considered a day of national humiliation dating from the war against Japanese aggression.

On September 18, 1931, Japanese troops blew up a section of the Dalian-Harbin Railway near Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province. Then, accusing Chinese troops of sabotage, they bombarded the barracks of the Chinese troops near Shenyang. That started a massive armed invasion of northeastern China.

Historians call it the "September 18 Incident;" Chinese call it a "Day of National Humiliation."

This year, September 18 not only falls on a weekend but also coincides with the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival - an auspicious time for family reunions and weddings.

Despite this attraction, very few engaged couples have ordered wedding services on that day in Harbin, capital of Heilongjiang Province. The information comes from sources with hotels and firms offering wedding and reception services.

In the past two months, one wedding ceremony company in Harbin has generally accepted orders from seven to eight couples each weekend but far less on September 18.

"This September 18 is a fine day, but I'm uneasy to have my wedding celebration on the 'Day of National Humiliation,"' said one prospective bridegroom who had postponed his wedding.

"Although it is a little bit troublesome to reschedule another hotel, it nonetheless makes me feel better," he said.

This year is the 60th anniversary of the defeat of Japanese forces.

However, not everyone abhors the day. Consider Mr Wang. Actually, he said, "9/18 is pronounced 'Jiu Yao Ba' in Chinese, sounding like 'I'm gonna have a fortune.' Therefore, many companies choose this day to open their businesses."

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