Craze for getting married on '520' in Tianjin

A local marriage registration office holds a collective ceremony for issuing marriage licenses to several couples. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

"520"(May 20) has long been a special day for many couples to show their affection in public, and more and more couples choose to get their marriage licenses on that day.

By 5 pm on May 20 this year, 1,214 couples in the six urban districts of Tianjin municipality got married, beating the record set the same day last year of 847 couples registered. After 5 pm, many couples were still waiting to register.

Tianjin municipality also held an event for International Day of Families and distributed brochures it at every marriage registration center.

Furthermore, staff members at marriage registration offices in the six urban districts gave away free roses to every newlywed couple, which added to the festive atmosphere at the registration sites.

In addition, the number of registering couples in Heping district, the least populated district in Tianjin, reached 176 on that day as compared to 89 last year.

Yang Li, a famous marriage and family expert, has pointed out that "520" has become the password for marriage in the era of information, and a lot of young people are expected to use it to make their own marriage warm and blissful. However, the best password for marriage has been established to be strong feelings and the sense of responsibility for marriage.

It is not just the beginning of a new life, but a new role to play for every couple who strives to pursue a harmonious marriage, Yang added.