Life in China's ONLY Polygamous Village I S2, EP93

Summary

The video explores Eya, China's most isolated village, where a unique form of polyandrous marriage persists. It delves into the communal marriage tradition, where one woman marries multiple brothers to control population growth and maintain land ownership. The host interviews locals, including an influencer who shares her life and sells local products via live streaming, reflecting the village's blend of ancient customs with modern connectivity.

Takeaways

• 🏡 In Eya village, communal marriage is practiced where one woman marries multiple men, often brothers, to manage resources and labor.
• 👨‍👨‍👧‍👦 Communal marriages were a strategy to control population growth and ensure family labor in the isolated and resource-scarce region.
• 🚶‍♀️ The village was inaccessible except by foot or horse until 2010, maintaining a primitive lifestyle and unique marriage customs.
• 🤔 The script explores the dynamics of communal marriages, including the division of labor and potential family tensions.
• 👵 The older generation often arranged these marriages, and women had little choice in the matter, reflecting the traditional gender dynamics.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Guma, a local influencer with over one million subscribers, shares her life and the communal marriage practice on social media.
• 🌾 Guma's family exemplifies the communal marriage system, with her having two mothers and one father, illustrating how it works in practice.
• 💼 Guma's success in live streaming has inspired other villagers to use social media to boost the local economy and sell agricultural products.
• 👗 Modernity is slowly entering Eya as young people like Guma use technology to connect with the outside world and monetize their culture.
• 👋 The script concludes with the narrator's departure from the village, reflecting on the unique culture and communal marriage practices.

Q & A

What is the traditional marriage form in Eya village?

The traditional marriage form in Eya village is communal marriage, specifically polyandrous marriage, where one woman marries several men, often brothers.

Why was communal marriage practiced in Eya village?

Communal marriage was practiced as a strategy to survive the hard life and control population growth, as the land was barren and not sufficient to support a rapidly growing population.

How did the older generation view communal marriage?

The older generation viewed communal marriage as a compromise and a necessity arranged by parents, often without the consent of the individuals involved.

What was Guma's role in promoting the local economy?

Guma helped boost the local economy by monetizing agricultural products through live streaming, selling local goods, and promoting the village's produce to a wider audience.

How does Guma's family structure differ from traditional families?

Guma's family structure is unique because she has two mothers (sisters) and one father, which is a result of the communal marriage tradition.

What is Guma's profession and how does she use social media?

Guma is a live streaming influencer and agricultural influencer who uses social media platforms like Douyin to sell local products and share her village life.

How did Guma become interested in live streaming?

Guma became interested in live streaming when she learned about it from a visitor to her village and discovered it could be a source of income.

What are the daily responsibilities of women in Eya village?

Women in Eya village are responsible for household chores such as cooking, feeding livestock, laundry, and taking care of the family. They often wake up early to prepare meals and manage the home.

How has the communal marriage tradition affected Guma's family?

The communal marriage tradition has resulted in Guma having more siblings due to having two mothers. It has also shaped the family dynamics, with each mother taking on different roles within the household.

What is the current view of communal marriage among the younger generation in Eya village?

The younger generation, like Guma, is more open to discussing communal marriage and is not necessarily bound by the tradition, with some choosing to marry only one partner.

How does Guma's family manage their communal living situation?

Guma's family manages their communal living situation by dividing responsibilities, with each mother focusing on either household chores or external work, and the children contributing to farm work.