Communist Weddings: Torghut Marriage Rituals During the Great Leap Forward

The interview discussed the marriage ritual of the Torghuts in Khar Us during the Great Leap Forward period. Born in 1938, Yanjarai was 20 years old when the Great Leap Forward movement reached Khar Us in 1958 and proceeded with his marriage ritual in the communist way. Utilising a lunchtime break, Yanjarai, along with four other couples, married his wife in the communal canteen with all the workers of the communes as witnesses. They dismissed traditional rituals and instead briefly bowed three times to their parents, Chairman Mao, and the workers of the communes. They did not wear traditional Torghut costumes but dressed in the communal green workers' suits. In addition to the marriage ceremony, Yanjarai also recounted other rituals that entirely reversed traditional customs. The communal situation during this period led to the destruction of most traditions, similar to the Cultural Revolution. ; Sponsored by Arcadia Fund, a charitable fund of Lisbet Rausing and Peter Baldwin.