This doctoral dissertation in Folklore explores a traditional, widespread wedding custom
in China known as Naodongfang. When used generally, the term “Naodongfang” refers to the
scope of all jokes, pranks and games played by grooms, brides, groomsmen, bridesmaids,
parents, parents’ siblings and relatives during Chinese weddings. Although the custom has a long
history, stretching back 2000 years, today many Chinese citizens consider its elements, such as
beating grooms, humiliating brides and bridesmaids, and encouraging fathers-in-law and brides
to hug and kiss each other, as bizarre, inappropriate, and even malicious. In this study I attempt
to answer the questions: “Why is Naodongfang active in China today?” and “What are
Naodongfang’s meanings?” I draw on published descriptions and analyses as well as my own
ethnographic materials to explore economic meanings; discuss connections to Chinese concepts
such as the Golden Mean, Propriety, and female reservedness; and examine Nao culture in the
context of the carnivalesque. A significant focus of the thesis is the exploration of gender issues
and violence associated with Naodongfang. Reports of injuries, sexual harassment, and sexual
assault experienced by both female and male participants have made the custom controversial.
Thus, the last three chapters explore connections of Naodongfang with Chinese feminism,
patriarchy and constructions of masculinities.
My intention is not to argue whether Naodongfang is good or bad. Rather, I hope this
thesis provides new ethnographic materials and analyses on Naodongfang in a way that
contributes to a larger conversation of wedding games and pranks and their deeper meanings. I
argue that although this custom is criticized and stigmatized by many, it still holds value for
some individuals and their communities. These meanings are multifaceted. Naodongfang allows
participants to laugh and joke and to step out their everyday lives. This liminal time, with its
freedom from usual decorum, can bring participants together or it can pit them against each other
as guests compete for red packets or exert pressure on, or exact revenge against, the bridal couple
or bridal party. Although Naodongfang can feel like an act of resistance towards authorities, it
also reinforces existing family and clan power structures, as well as gender stereotypes, and
promotes heteronormativity
