This is a practical piece of advice: when making an important choice, look at the surrounding circumstances and background, not just the surface. For marriage, it means you should observe the family environment and upbringing of your potential spouse.
In traditional Chinese agrarian society, a family's pigpen and courtyard reflected their diligence, hygiene, and economic status. This extended to judging a family's character when considering a marriage alliance.
It reflects the deep-rooted belief that a person's character is shaped by their family environment. It's a practical, down-to-earth way of saying 'look beyond the surface' and is often used in matchmaking contexts.
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