Just like every other civilization, the Chinese also have their evolution of the concept of marriage. The Chinese culture has primarily vouched for monogamy ever since the institution of marriage was formed. Over the years, the traditional Chinese wedding rituals have undergone various changes. Although, there are the six basic etiquettes that have found their way through all these centuries. These are still incorporated in a modern-day Chinese wedding.
Three letters and six etiquettes
The very essential six rituals of the wedding ceremony are known by the name ‘three letters and six etiquettes.’ These rituals or procedures are extremely important and can be seen in every Chinese wedding. The six etiquettes are as follows:
Wedding Proposal
When the bridegroom’s parents have chosen a woman of their choice, a wedding proposal is sent to the bride’s parents. It is usually a matchmaker who acts as an intermediary bringing together both these families. They resolve the conflicts of interests, if any.
Matching the birthdates
Once the bride and her parents have consented to the proposal, the matchmaker would go ahead with the fortune telling process. It is known as the Suan Ming in Chinese to predict if the couple-to-be would have a good future.
Presenting the Bride price
If the results of the Suan Ming turn out satisfactory, the parents of the groom present the bride’s family with a bride price or betrothal gifts. They also send a betrothal letter to the bride’s family.
Sending wedding gifts
As an official acknowledgment of the wedding that is to take place, the groom’s family will send the bride’s family an elaborate feast. It will be inclusive of different foods, cakes, and other delicacies.
Deciding the wedding date
As a final ritual before the wedding, both the families will come together to decide on an auspicious day to conduct the wedding. The Chinese have their traditional way of doing this, known as tung shing.
The Wedding Ceremony
The wedding is inclusive of a set of rituals performed by the Chinese bride and the groom. They are traditionally dressed in red. The wedding invites are printed in red. The color red is revered by the Chinese brides as a symbol of happiness and prosperity.
The Chinese bride is taken through a wedding procession along with the dowry from her house to the groom’s house. From there, the bride and the groom drive to the venue of the wedding. During the ceremony, they exchange rings and share a drink of the traditional Tsao Chun tea. They would also bow three times to display respect for the heaven & earth, their parents and each other.
This is followed by an exquisite and grand wedding banquet. There are two banquets hosted by both families. Usually, the grander one is hosted by the bride’s family. This banquet consists over about 6-10 courses.
And finally, three days after the wedding, the bride and the groom visit the bride’s house for dinner and celebration.
