Marriage certificates evolve in 60 years

• Source: Global Times
• [18:07 September 27 2009]
• Comments

A 1972 marriage certificate, four years before the end of the Cultural Revolution.

Mao's words were printed on the back cover.

1973

 
1974

 
1976
 

After a decade of turmoil, the country started to move towards development after many intellectuals were subjected to persecution because they dared to question the validity of Mao's words, or believe that some elements of capitalism were conducive to a better society.

When the Cultural Revolution ended, marriage certificates replaced Chairman Mao's quotations and instructions with articles of Marriage Law of the People's Republic of China. Since the end of the 1980s, photos are mounted on the certificates, which were simplified to their original function as legal documents to grant governmental approval to couples joining in marriage.