"Why" - people apparently thought that owning that sort of thing was a sign of being "grown-up", and you were supposed to do that if at all possible, to show that you're a respectable person.
But in reality, those reasons are nonsense. Relics of a past age.
Also, convincing the entire population that owning a large set of useless expensive things is essential to a successful life is a good way to sell a lot of stuff and keep your China cabinet factory in business.
But in reality, those reasons are nonsense. Relics of a past age.
Also, convincing the entire population that owning a large set of useless expensive things is essential to a successful life is a good way to sell a lot of stuff and keep your China cabinet factory in business.