Bachelors and old maids have no place in the Chinese scheme of life.

Theoretically, bride and bridegroom are not supposed to see each other until the wedding-day, when the girl's veil is lifted on her arrival at her father-in-law's house; in practice, the young people usually manage to get at least a glimpse of one another, usually with the connivance of their elders.

Thus the family expands, and one of the greatest happinesses which can befall a Chinaman is to have "five generations in the hall." Owing to early marriage, this is not nearly so uncommon as it is in Western countries.

There is an authentic record of an old statesman who had so many descendants that when they came to congratulate him on his birthdays, he was quite unable to remember all their names, and could only bow as they passed in line before him.
As to income and expenditure, the earnings of the various members go into a common purse, out of which expenses are paid.

Every one has a right to food and shelter; and so it is that if some are out of work, the strain is not individually felt; they take their rations as usual.
On the death of the father, it is not at all uncommon for the mother to take up the reins, though it is more usual for the eldest son to take his place.