Family Life Rules 2023

Text on paper, dimensions variable




Family Life Rules

Dear family members, welcome to this warm and large family, where everyone is equal and lives in harmony. In our lives, each member of our family must abide by the following rules, otherwise, unpredictable disasters may occur. (The rules not only involve constraints on daily behavior but also include some mysterious rituals and taboos).

1. Family Honor*: The glory of the family is considered supreme. Family members must maintain the family's honor and dignity outside and must not engage in behavior that damages the family's reputation.

2. Wisdom of the Elders*: Family members must unconditionally respect and heed the words of the elders, believing that their opinions are a legacy of wisdom and experience. Disobeying the wishes of the elders is believed to bring misfortune to the family.

3. Mealtime Etiquette*: No arguments or unpleasantness are allowed at the dining table. Family members must dine together at least once a day to maintain harmony and unity within the family. The food is absolutely safe.

4. Secret Language*: If the elders start speaking in a language you don’ t understand during meals, you must bow your head and continue eating, pretending not to hear. This language is a secret communication method of the family, and involvement in the discussion without permission brings misfortune.

5. Family Decision-Making*: Major decisions of the family are made by the elders. As the younger generation, you must learn to respect and support these decisions, even if you may not fully understand or agree (this is not important).

6. Obligation to Attend Family Gatherings*: Family members must participate in gatherings, no matter how busy. This maintains kinship and cohesion within the family. Absence from gatherings is viewed as disrespectful.

7. Education is Paramount*: When you are noticed by the elders, you should be in a state of learning (except during meals and sleep). Academic performance is of utmost importance! The family emphasizes the importance of education, and your academic achievements are seen as a reflection of the family’s honor. Family members must invest a lot of effort and energy in their studies.

8. Ancestor Memorial Day*: Family members must participate in the annual Ancestor Memorial Day activities to express respect and remembrance for ancestors. Ignoring this ceremony brings misfortune.

9. Family Heritage*: The cultural heritage of the family, such as ancient crafts or family secret recipes, must be passed on by the younger male generation. You must be grateful for this! You have no right to choose.

10. Secret Guardian*: If you hear disagreements or quarrels among family members, you must turn a blind eye to protect the harmony of the family. Remember Rule 1.

11. The Family's Brand*: As in Rule 6, after achieving success, the elders encourage you to travel far to acquire new knowledge, but you must eventually return to the family. Otherwise, you will face severe judgment.

12. The Room without a Door*: Bedrooms in the house can have doors but must not have locks to maintain communication and trust among family members. Installing locks is useless, as they always fall off. Legend has it that locking doors blocks the protection of the family ancestors.

13. Midnight Silence Order*: Shh, keep quiet after dark! Do not leave your room, and do not let anyone know you are awake!

14. Conflict Resolution*: When you are about to have a conflict with a family member, hold back! Do not try to change or persuade, just go eat! As in Rule 3.

15. Friendship Rule*: Be wary of people outside the family! Especially when they advise you not to follow the family rules, stay away from them!

...

(The following rules are for female members of the family only)

51. Elder Sister as Mother*: If you have a male relative of the same generation in your family, unconditionally love and support him.

52. New Family*: You are not always a member of the family; you join a new family after marriage.

53. Important Value*: You need to learn all life skills as you will be better integrated into your new family. Please strive to master all household chores, remembering this is the best way to demonstrate your life value.

...

99. Warm Reminder*: Most of the family life rules you have learned still apply in your new family. For details of new rules, please see the Marriage Life Rules.

...

Please keep these rules in mind. As long as you abide by them, you will have a pleasant life! Remember, your family loves you unconditionally, and you will gain endless knowledge and happiness in the family! Follow the rules and stay safe! Wish you a happy life!