裸婚 (luǒ hūn)

ETYMOLOGY

When Love Meets Reality: The Evolution of 'Naked Marriage'The term gained traction during the 2008 financial crisis on Douban forums, initially romanticized as a 『Bohemian love statement』. A viral post titled 'No Diamond Ring, But Moonlight for You' embodied this idealistic phase.

The 2011 TV drama 'Naked Marriage Era' shifted perceptions. When protagonist Liu Yangyang declared 'I have no car, savings, house, or ring—just a heart to grow old with you', it sparked nationwide debates. Ironically, 73% of viewers reported increased anxiety about marriage after watching (Sohu Entertainment Survey).

Post-2020, discussions turned pragmatic. On Zhihu (China's Quora), the thread 'Why Can't Gen-Z Afford Traditional Weddings?' revealed shocking data: Shanghai's average wedding cost (¥380,000) equals 8 years of income for fresh graduates. TikTok videos tagged #NakedMarriageLife show couples exchanging 『DIY ring pops』 and holding ceremonies in shared bike stations.

Cultural context: Unlike Western 'minimalist weddings' that save money for travel, Chinese裸婚 often reflects systemic issues—property prices 20x income ratios, 'bride price' traditions, and social expectation to 'have it all' by 30.