The
Tang dynasty is well known for the freedom that the women had in
comparison to other time periods. During the Song dynasty women
became heavily restricted. Generally, young ladies were married
off by the age of 16 and moved into her husband's home. By bearing
sons she would gain respect in the family, but a married woman's
ultimate goal would be to become a mother-in-law herself. Expensive
and legal, wealthy men had the privilege of having concubines, which
was fairly common in ancient times. When poor families had financial
problems they would give a daughter away to a wealthy official as
a cook or concubine. Young girls could also be bought and wed.
A woman was expected to cook and serve food for the
family as well as prepare sacrifices. Any free time could be used
to study and learn, but most women found little leisure time after
taking care of general household duties. However, women of wealth
did not perform manual labor and had spare time for social gatherings
or playing games.
Did
you know...
According to an old Chinese proverb, the most beautiful
and talented daughter is not as desirable as a deformed son.
The emperor's wives and concubines were expected to
be perfect examples of proper etiquette; an instructor taught them
the rules of conduct. The first and foremost responsibility of a
court lady was to be loyal to the emperor. She was also expected
to be humble, compliant, and respectful. She was to never call the
emperor by his name.
Concubines of the imperial court lived in separate
parts of the palace and tended by eunuchs (men who were castrated).
These women could gain considerable power if they could win the
emperor's favor. They devoted their time to developing schemes or
conspiracies against their competition - other concubines.
The
Tang dynasty is well known for the freedom that the women had in
comparison to other time periods. During the Song dynasty women
became heavily restricted. Generally, young ladies were married
off by the age of 16 and moved into her husband's home. By bearing
sons she would gain respect in the family, but a married woman's
ultimate goal would be to become a mother-in-law herself. Expensive
and legal, wealthy men had the privilege of having concubines, which
was fairly common in ancient times. When poor families had financial
problems they would give a daughter away to a wealthy official as
a cook or concubine. Young girls could also be bought and wed. 
Did
you know...