In China's far province of Guizhou, the Miao people are very superstitious, with strong beliefs in spirits and demons. For marriage approval, a chicken is killed in front of the parties concerned. After the chicken is cooked whole, the size of both its eyes are examined. If both eyes are identical, it symbolizes a blissful union. But if they are of different size, it is considered a bad omen, and the wedding plans canceled. The weight of the chicken is also of importance. Either party that breaks an engagement after the formal announcement must pay the other party an amount of silver equivalent to the weight of the chicken.