Was China monogamous in ancient times?

China was not monogamous in ancient times.

The ancient marriage system in China was polygamy. Even if the emperor had only one wife, in ancient times, he could marry more wives as long as his family had the conditions, but he could not call them wives, only concubines, and there were maids under them, which could only be called concubines after going through the formalities.

Moreover, the marriage system in ancient China was arranged by the elders under the constraint of patriarchal clan system. At that time, marriage was related to the families of both men and women, and the establishment and dissolution of marriage was also decided by the elders of the man's family.

Extended data:

Ancient wedding customs and their significance;

1, Toast: The custom of Toast began in the Zhou Dynasty. "The Book of Rites Faint Instrument" records that the couple ate and hugged while in prison. In fact, a gourd was cut into two spoonfuls.

When holding a wedding, both the bride and groom gargle with wine, which is called marriage. Therefore, people take marriage as a synonym, and this custom later evolved into a toast.

2. Candlelight night: In ancient times, most candles used in weddings were decorated with dragons and phoenixes. Later generations called flowers and candles marriage.

3. Noisy bridal chamber: Noisy bridal chamber had other meanings besides amusing in ancient times. It is said that foxes and ghosts often haunt the bridal chamber, which can drive away evil spirits and enhance people's yang.

Baidu Encyclopedia-Ancient Marriage System (Monogamy)