In China, ghost marriage, also known as minghun, is a tradition where a living person marries someone who has died. 1. Purpose: Ghost marriages are believed to have originated from the ancient Chinese belief in the afterlife and the importance of maintaining family lineages. The main purpose of ghost marriages is to ensure that the deceased individual has companionship in the afterlife and to maintain the family's lineage and honor. 2. Types of Ghost Marriages: There are two main types of ghost marriages in China. The first type involves marrying a living person to a deceased individual, usually someone who died young and unmarried. The second type involves marrying two deceased individuals to each other. 3. Rituals and Customs: Ghost marriages are typically arranged by the family of the deceased individual. The rituals and customs involved in a ghost marriage can vary depending on the region and the ethnic group. They often involve traditional Chinese practices such as offering prayers, burning incense, and performing ceremonies to honor the deceased. 4. Legal Status: In 2015, China passed a law that explicitly prohibited ghost marriages, citing concerns about human trafficking and illegal exhumations. Despite this, the practice still persists in some rural and remote areas of China, particularly among ethnic minority groups.

5. Controversy: Ghost marriages have sparked controversy and debate in Chinese society. Some people view the practice as a way to honor and respect the deceased, while others criticize it as superstitious and outdated. There have been cases of individuals being exploited or coerced into participating in ghost marriages against their will. 6. Modern Adaptations: In modern times, there have been adaptations of the ghost marriage tradition, such as virtual ghost weddings where a living person marries a virtual avatar of a deceased loved one. These virtual ceremonies often involve the use of technology and are seen as a way to honor the deceased in a contemporary context.