"Standing still, a myriad of colors" and "Talking about money hurts feelings, but not talking about money means no feelings" are some familiar sayings that reveal the awkward situation behind the phenomenon of high bride prices in some rural areas of our country. The annual Central Document No. 1, issued today, further proposes solutions to this problem, emphasizing "comprehensive governance."

The document proposes to advance the comprehensive governance of the issue of high bride prices in rural areas, leveraging the roles of organizations such as the Women's Federation and the Communist Youth League to strengthen public welfare matchmaking services and care for the marriageable population in rural areas.

The issue of exorbitant bride prices in rural areas is not a new problem. In recent years, the Central No. 1 Document has consistently outlined strategies to address this issue. For instance, the document from one year proposed "carrying out special governance on prominent problems in key areas such as high bride prices and extravagant ceremonies to shift customs and traditions." Another year's document suggested "strengthening the binding role of village regulations and conventions, with party members and cadres taking the lead in setting examples, and earnestly conducting special governance on prominent problems in key areas such as high bride prices and extravagant ceremonies." The document from yet another year encouraged "utilizing comprehensive rural service facilities to provide inclusive social services for farmers' weddings, funerals, and other ceremonies, thereby reducing the burden of rural social obligations."

The phenomenon of high bride prices in rural areas is caused by multiple factors. Associate Professor Qiu Tongwei from Nanjing Agricultural University told reporters that traditional beliefs, gender imbalance, and economic factors are all closely related to the high bride prices in rural areas.

To solve complex problems, it is not enough to treat the head when the head aches and the foot when the foot hurts. What is needed is precisely the "comprehensive management" mentioned in the Central Document No. 1.

"To alleviate the burden of marriage and enhance happiness, it requires efforts from multiple fronts and comprehensive strategies," said Qiu Tongwei. The document mentions "leveraging the roles of organizations such as the Women's Federation and the Communist Youth League," which aims to allow relevant parties to utilize their strengths, consolidate efforts, and establish a favorable environment and robust chain for managing high bride prices in rural areas.

During interviews, journalists discovered that many regions are actively exploring solutions. For instance, Jinxi County in Jiangxi Province has taken the lead by setting a maximum betrothal gift limit of 10,000 yuan, while Ningxia offers discounts on tickets to state-owned scenic spots through a "Zero Betrothal Gift Certificate" incentive.

At the beginning of this year, Chen Yunsong and his wife Guo Yuanlin from Yinlongxia group, Duxi Village, Junbu Township, Yongfeng County, Jiangxi Province, tied the knot. The newlyweds, both teachers, started their new life with a "zero bride price" approach.

Guo Yuanlin told the reporter that in the past, some villagers believed that a high bride price was a matter of face. However, as attitudes have changed, more and more villagers have come to realize that a good life depends on the joint efforts of both spouses, not on the accumulation of bride prices. As teachers, they hope to advocate for healthy and civilized marriage concepts through practical actions.

This year's Central Document No. 1 also mentions, "Strengthen the crackdown on illegal activities such as marriage scams and frauds." Previously, courts in many regions have disclosed several typical cases involving the extortion of property under the guise of bride price. Experts interviewed stated that this is also an important part of "comprehensive governance," aimed at protecting the legitimate rights and interests of farmers from a legal perspective, thereby purifying the marriage environment. This deployment is deemed very necessary.

In the process of "comprehensive governance," "restraint" is essential, and "care" is equally important. Zhu Weidong, Deputy Director of the Central Financial and Economic Affairs Commission and Deputy Director of the Central Rural Affairs Leading Group Office, stated at a press conference held by the State Council Information Office that in response to the issue of high bride prices, it is necessary to develop binding norms and advocacy standards based on actual conditions, and to strengthen public welfare matchmaking services and care for the marriageable population in rural areas.

“群众思想观念、生活方式转变需要有个过程，农村移风易俗要避免用急风骤雨、‘一刀切’的办法硬干蛮干，而是要常抓不懈、绵绵用力，德润人心、化风成俗。”祝卫东说，关键是把群众工作做实做到位，把道理讲清楚，既要坚决对不良风气说不，又要帮着农民想出路、找办法。（记者古一平、熊家林） Statement: Xinhua Finance is the national financial information platform constructed by Xinhua News Agency. Under no circumstances does the information released by this platform constitute investment advice.

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