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- The Betrothal. Known as the Guo Da Li, the groom will present betrothal gifts (gold jewelry, dragon and phoenix wax candles, tea leaves and sesame seeds, wine or brandy, etc.)
- Choosing the Wedding Date. The date of the wedding ceremony isn’t chosen by chance. “Many couples consult with a fortune teller, Chinese monk, or Feng Shui master to choose an auspicious date to bring success to their marriage,” shares Froelich.
- The Invitation. The Chinese wedding invitation is typically red with gold lettering and bears the Double Happiness symbol. Inside, it’ll include dates for the wedding banquet, order of birth, and names of the bride, groom, and respective parents.
- Preparing the Marriage Bed. The An Chuang usually takes place on an auspicious day and time, two to three days before the wedding. “This tradition is carried out by a female relative of good fortune—one with parents, husband, children, and grandchildren—where the bed will be dressed in new red color beddings and pillows with a mix of dried fruits and nuts such as longans, persimmons, and red dates,” explains Yu.
- Double Happiness Symbol. Pronounced shuāngxǐ, the double happiness symbol is one of the most recognizable icons incorporated in Chinese weddings. "The Double Happiness character is very aptly named—it's made of two connected copies of the character xi, which means 'happiness.'
- Auspicious Colors. Red and gold are the two colors most frequently used in color palettes for Chinese weddings. "Across all of Chinese tradition, red is by far and large the most popular color at all major celebrations, including weddings," explains Valente.
- Gate Crashing and Door Games. "The beginning of the wedding ceremony often begins first with collecting the bride. The groom and his groomsmen will travel to the bride's house, where sometimes a tea ceremony is performed in order to pay homage to the bride's family, before everyone heads over to the groom's family's house for their own tea ceremony," explains Valente.
- Tea Ceremony. "The tea ceremony is one of the biggest components in a traditional Chinese wedding," explains Bishop. "Once this is done, it is a sign of marriage in the eyes of Chinese tradition.
Learn about the 17 Chinese wedding traditions that have stood the test of time, from the matchmaker god Yuelao to the red wedding date and the hair combing ceremony. Discover how these customs are observed in different ethnic groups and how they reflect the culture and values of the Chinese people.
- Double Happiness Symbol. Watch this video on YouTube. The double happiness symbol (囍) is one of the most recognizable symbols in Chinese weddings. It is traditionally displayed on wedding invitations, decorations, and even the wedding cake.
- Tea Ceremony. Watch this video on YouTube. The tea ceremony is an integral part of a traditional Chinese wedding. This ritual involves the couple serving tea to their parents and elders as a sign of respect and gratitude.
- Red Wedding Attire. Watch this video on YouTube. Red is considered a highly auspicious color in Chinese culture, symbolizing joy, luck, and prosperity.
- Dragon and Phoenix. Watch this video on YouTube. The dragonand phoenix are iconic symbols in Chinese culture, representing the masculine and feminine energies respectively.
Traditional Chinese marriage ( Chinese: 婚姻; pinyin: hūnyīn) is a ceremonial ritual within Chinese societies that involves not only a union between spouses but also a union between the two families of a man and a woman, sometimes established by pre-arrangement between families.
Oct 12, 2020 · Here's a fuss-free guide on the Chinese wedding traditions you'll be expected to practice, including the Guo Da Li and Chinese tea ceremonies.
Dec 9, 2023 · Red Color and "Double Happiness" (囍 Xǐ) It is no surprise the color red holds immense significance in Chinese weddings. Culturally, red symbolizes love, joy, luck, fertility, and prosperity. From the bridal attire to decorations, the prominence of red in a Chinese wedding is a testament to its positive connotations.
