A Romeo and Juliet-style drama has been unfolding in two old Guangzhou villages, preventing lovers from marrying, according to a city newspaper.

It has long been a tradition that people surnamed Xu of Xizhou Village and Zhong of Xiapu Village cannot wed. The fact can be traced to a feud between them 100 years ago in which they swore an oath of "no marriage between".

Older generations are the strongest defenders of the pledge. They believe anyone who breaks it will suffer bad luck or ill health. Yet they have only heard stories and none know of any specific ill fortune befalling unbelievers.

The tradition is opposed by younger villagers, especially those who fall in love with a member of the other group. Xu Tian (alias) is one. He said he had tried to persuade his parents but failed. "It is unfair that we have to bear the enmity of our ancestors," he said.

Xu Li (alias) is another example. She is in love with Zhong Jiang (alias) from the other side. They tried to break up three years ago due to opposition from families but reunited and now have to hide their relationship.

Xiapu Village party branch secretary Zhong said: "We don't have rules to ban such marriages, and we have no right or power to interfere in the thinking of their parents."

Xizhou and Xiapu are not the only two villages to have faced such problems and they may be able to learn from the experience of others.