Chinese Wedding Customs and Traditions
Many of us focus on the customs and traditions of the Western world. But, Chinese customs and traditions are suitably perfect for any impending big day. You may be keen to tie the knot in style. You want a wedding with a difference. Whatever your reason, following Chinese customs may just be the right way for you to say your “I do’s.”
For many Chinese people, in China or the West, marriage is time for celebration. There are many customs and rituals that are performed in the run up to the wedding and during the ceremony itself. Creating an alliance between two families is important. Much like a traditional Western style wedding Chinese weddings are celebrated in a similar style. Chinese weddings include some traditional, ancient practices. But, many of these traditions are not used anymore in modern weddings.
Many people still use traditional practices, much like we do in the UK. In the UK, many people like to get married in the church. What is more, brides like to be given away by their fathers. This is an ancient custom that is performed today in the UK.
In Chinese weddings, brides are given away by their fathers. But, unlike in the UK, it is the groom’s family that handle the expenses of their wedding day.
The Lead up to the Wedding: What Are the Traditional Customs?
In the run up to the wedding, Chinese customs denote that a couple should spend time apart. The bride will spend time with her close friends and family. This is meant to be a time of grief for the bride. This is so that she can mourn the passing of her friends and family. What is more, the bride is bathed in a rich bath of scents and spices. This is to ensure that the bride has no negative influences prior to the ceremony taking place.
The Big Day: A Typical Chinese Wedding
A Chinese wedding ceremony involves the exchange of rings. There is, usually, a tea ceremony too. Typically, the bride will change from her bridal attire into a red outfit. There is, usually, bowing to each other’s families, as a sign of respect and love. What is more, bowing symbolises the respect shown to the elders of the family and to god.
Usually, a Chinese wedding ceremony is held on a lucky date. This time is considered lucky for a number of reasons. The date may have some symbolic meaning for the betrothed couples. What is more, the selection of the wedding date lends well to Feng and Chinese lunar calendars. Symbolism is a large part of Chinese weddings. You can find out more about Chinese weddings and symbolism here chinese.983invitation.com.
Colours and Themes
Gold and red play prominent parts in the wedding. This is because they denote happiness and prosperity for the couple. This tradition dates back to ancient China and is still used widely in more modern weddings. Much like UK brides wear white, Chinese brides will wear red and gold. The symbolic nature of red and gold make it the perfect combination.
Food and Drink
Chinese wedding feasts are exactly that. Fowl, duck and goose is served in abundance. Many of these foods have a symbolic attachment to them. Usually, the couple eat foods that symbolizes long life and prosperity. This is to wish the newlyweds good luck on their journey as man and wife.
A Chinese wedding dinner is, usually, about eight courses. This is because eight is a lucky number. Peking duck will be served as well as sea cucumber. Other courses are served as per the tastes of the couple. Chinese weddings will have alcohol and tea in their midst.
Gifts and Presents
Chinese newlyweds will not release a list of what goods they want for their wedding. This is a Western custom. Often, money is given. The amount will depend on your relationship with the bride and groom. Siblings and parents will be expected to give more money. Friends and associates will give less. Usually, the money that is given should cover the cost of the guests. All money is given in a red envelope. As we have mentioned, red plays a prominent part in the wedding ceremony.
Gifts are becoming more popular in Chinese weddings. This is especially true for couples are who live in the West, but are having a traditional Chinese wedding. There are no hard or fast rules for gifts. But, there are some gifts that you should avoid giving. While towels are a common gift to give in the West, in Chinese society, towels are given out at funerals. This could cause upset and disrespect. If you are attending a Chinese wedding this year, do not give a towel bale. Save it for your Western peers.
Post Wedding Rituals
After the wedding feast has concluded, the bride leaves with her husband. A group of close friends will play tricks on the newlyweds in their bridal chamber. This is a form of fun and friendship. This is also a way to send good wishes on the wedding day.
The new couple will toast each other with a glass of wine. Older traditions mean that the bride and groom will cut off a lock of hair and present each other with it. This is done because the couple of symbolising their unity. The lock of hair is meant to represent that they are now one heart.
As with all weddings, the newlyweds will spend time on their own. They may go on a honeymoon or take a break from the stressful proceedings of the big day. The bride will not visit her family for up to nine days after the event. This is so that she can spend time with her husband. Visiting family is low down on the list of priorities after a Chinese wedding.
Chinese weddings are not entirely different to Western weddings. They have unique traditions and customs that are beautiful and different. All weddings represent love. This is what makes weddings so amazing.
