9 Daughters, 1 Father’s Dream : When A Man Kept Naming His Daughters After The Son He Never Had

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In a small village in Jiangsu province's Huaian, an 81-year-old father, Ji, has become the center of attention-not just for his large family, but for the unique names he gave his nine daughters. Each of their names carries the Chinese character for "brother" (di), a reflection of his deep-rooted hope for a son. Yet, despite this traditional desire, Ji and his wife raised their daughters with unwavering love and support, ensuring they all received an education. Their story, recently brought to light by the Shanghai Morning Post, has sparked conversations across China about gender preference, family values, and changing cultural norms.

Ji and his wife, like many parents in rural China, faced immense societal pressure to produce a male heir. Traditionally, sons were expected to carry on the family name and provide financial support for aging parents. However, Ji's actions demonstrated a change in priorities-he believed in providing opportunities for his daughters, ensuring they were well-educated and capable of leading independent lives.

What's In A Name?

The names Ji gave his daughters tell a fascinating story which include:

1. Zhaodi - "Soliciting a brother"
2. Pandi - Looking forward for a brother
3. Wangdi - Expressing a strong hope for a male sibling
4. Xiangdi - "Thinking of a brother"
5. Laidi - "Brother coming"
6. Yingdi - "Welcoming a brother"
7. Niandi - "Missing a brother"
8. Choudi - "Hating a brother"
9. Mengdi - "Dream of a brother"

The progression of these names shows the evolution of the parents' emotions-from hope to frustration to acceptance. The name "Choudi," meaning "hating a brother," is particularly striking, as it reflects the change in sentiment after years of unmet expectations. However, by the time their youngest daughter, Mengdi, was born, Ji and his wife had seemingly come to terms with their reality, naming her "Dream of a brother."

Unwavering Support For Education

Despite the initial preference for a son, Ji and his wife never mistreated their daughters. In fact, Ji took a progressive stance, ensuring that all nine girls received an education-something not always prioritized for daughters in rural areas.

"He often told my mother, 'What's wrong with daughters? I just like girls. I will do my very best to support their education,'" recalled Xiangdi, one of the daughters. His dedication helped them grow into educated and independent individuals.

Unlike many rural families that may have pulled their daughters out of school early to marry or work, Ji made sure that all nine daughters had access to learning. His belief in education was rooted in his understanding that knowledge would empower his daughters to build better futures for themselves. Today, his daughters have carved their own paths, proving that investing in girls' education can be just as valuable as in boys'.

A Reflection Of Changing Gender Norms

Ji's story is a microcosm of a larger cultural shift in China. While son preference has historically been strong, particularly in rural areas, more families are recognizing the equal value of daughters.

As the country continues to develop and modernize, perspectives on gender roles are slowly changing. The implementation of policies encouraging gender equality and the increasing opportunities for women in the workforce have played a role in changing these attitudes. Although deep-seated traditions still exist, families like the Ji's sheds a light on evolving values that prioritize love and opportunity over outdated societal expectations.

A Story Of Love And Perseverance

Despite societal pressures, Ji provided for his daughters with unwavering support, proving that parental love transcends gender.

This tale proves that every child, regardless of gender, is a blessing. Ji's devotion to his daughters challenges the outdated notion that only sons can bring honor and security to a family. His daughters, now educated and independent, reflect his legacy-one that values dedication, love, and progress over tradition.

In the end, Ji may have dreamed of a son, but he gained something far more valuable-nine strong, educated, and loving daughters. Now, isn't that the real dream?