As the centennial marriage boom takes off, new couples are determined to make their marriage a happy one. (courtesy of Liu Shuyi)

This year is the 100th year of the Republic of China, and because the number 100 symbolizes a long and happy marriage, something of a wedding boom is under way in Taiwan. On top of the centenary, next year will be the Year of the Dragon (the best year for a baby to be born), and there have been improvements in government assistance for new parents, so everyone is expecting significant increases in the birthrate this year and next.

This is indeed good news for Taiwan society, since many of its young people have tended to put off marriage and having children. So this predicted boom in marriages and births in the 100th year has brought new hope. Whether it is simply a rebound from the dip, or a temporary upturn because of the centenary euphoria, the boom in weddings and births is a definite cause for celebration.

The goals of having money, a house, a car, a spouse, and a son are key elements in living a happy life for most Chinese people. But as the global economic environment has changed, it has become increasingly difficult for young people to achieve the first three, and this in turn also creates an impact on the desire for the last two.