Enter into a world of Chinese wedding traditions, and you can be amazed by their outwardly vibrant culture. The exotic costumes, fun-filled ceremonies, and so much more. Age-old traditions need not be boring; they are infused with generations of beliefs, traditions, and customs. Why not embrace them in our wedding celebration? Make your wedding a golden ticket to dive into some of the amazing cultures practiced since the beginning of time.
Hair Combing Ceremony
Hair Combing ceremony has become an important custom among Chinese brides. This ceremony is also known as Shang Tou, symbolizing the bride’s transition from childhood to adulthood. This ceremony is usually performed the night before the wedding or during the early morning before the wedding. It is an elaborate custom and might require a couple of things in the list including phoenix candles, thuja leaves, lotus seeds, dried longans, roasted pork or chicken, fruits, joss sticks, and 3 bowls of rice ball soup. The bride sits with a pair of comb, a mirror, red strings, a ruler, and a sewing kit. One elder of good fortune combs the hair, often accompanied by a rhythmic chant. It is a powerful start to the wedding festivities, adding a touch of timeless tradition.
The Traditional Tea Ceremony
The Tea Ceremony is a meaningful tradition that is the heart and soul of Chinese weddings. The bride and groom wear traditional outfits, preferably in red or gold Qun qua, and serve tea in the traditional tea set generation by generation, starting from grandparents. In return, the newly-weds receive gifts and well-wishes, enclosed in vibrant red envelopes known as Hong Bao. The tea is usually made from dates, lotus seeds, and oolong tea served in fine porcelain along with other goodies like dim sum. What makes the tea ceremony special is its ability to bridge the past and the present. Here, the ancient traditions meet the couple’s modern journey. It’s a symbolic gesture that roots the new union of the family with the values of the Chinese family.
Ravishing In Red And Gold
Red is not just a color in Chinese weddings; it’s the heartbeat of the celebration. This color palette pulsates with energy, joy, and a prosperous future. Imagine the lively decor played in the shades of red and gold. The lantern, the calligraphy, and even the wedding dress dance in the rhythm of the phoenix and the dragons, creating a look that is both regal and radiant. The significance of the color goes beyond the aesthetics. It is believed to ward off evil, ensuring the couple’s new journey is free from negativity and misfortunes. Let us embrace this wonderful hue that brings a promise of a bright, radiant future.
The Legendary Lion Dance
Infuse some colors, rhythm, and excitement with a tinge of culture, the lion dance. The Tang Dynasty popularized this dance form to become a mass favorite among many other cultures. Elaborate colorful masks, animal-like movements, and powerful dance beats are some of the iconic elements of a perfect show. This dance is performed not only at weddings but also, in many religious ceremonies. Sometimes, they are also performed to honor special guests. These lions are the symbol of strength, courage, and good fortune. They bring good luck, prosperity, and happiness into the lives of the newlyweds and their families. As the lions leap and twirl, they not only serve as spectacular entertainment but bring in blessings and positive energies from the divine beings.
The Gifting Ceremony
Apart from the gifts that are exchanged in red envelopes, the groom’s family prepares gifts in the multiple of eights for the brides. Multiple of Eights are usually good numbers. This usually includes wedding cookies, traditional Chinese cakes, candles, firecrackers, gold, purses, clothing, and many more as a token of their blessing. The dragon and phoenix candles symbolize the balance between the masculine and feminine energies for a prosperous and fruitful marriage. It reinforces the importance of family ties, respect, and goodwill for the newlyweds and their families. Although this elaborate gifting ceremony is becoming simpler in the modern days, it has not lost its significance yet.
These age-old customs are rich in symbolism and steeped in history. It offers a beautiful blend of culture and fun. It carries the blessings of our elders and ancestors, which connects us to the roots and builds up a personality that you can carry in your happy marital journey. Let’s celebrate romance in traditions that resonate with your heart, adding a splash of colors, history, and deep-rooted emotions.
