Chinese wedding traditions go back thousands of years and are deeply rooted in Chinese culture and beliefs. As a Chinese wedding planner, I have witnessed many beautiful and unique weddings that incorporate traditional Chinese customs and rituals. In this comprehensive guide, I will take you through the various pre-wedding, wedding day, and post-wedding traditions that make Chinese weddings so mystique.
The Chinese wedding ceremony is steeped in tradition and symbolism. A Chinese wedding is not just a union between two individuals, but it is also a union between two families. The families come together to celebrate the couple’s love and to wish them prosperity and happiness in their future together.
According to the Chinese lunar calendar, the wedding ceremony is usually held on an auspicious day. The couple’s astrological signs are also considered to determine the most suitable date for the wedding. The wedding ceremony is usually held in the morning, followed by a wedding banquet in the evening.
Pre-wedding rituals and customs
In Chinese tradition, there are several pre-wedding rituals that the bride and groom must go through before the wedding day. One of the most important pre-wedding rituals is the “Hair Combing Ceremony.” This ceremony takes place a few days before the wedding day and symbolizes the bride’s transition from childhood to adulthood. The bride’s mother or an elderly female relative will comb the bride’s hair and tie it in a bun while reciting auspicious phrases.
Another pre-wedding tradition is the “Betrothal Ceremony.” This ceremony is usually held a few weeks before the wedding day when the groom’s family presents gifts to the bride’s family as a sign of respect and commitment. The gifts, called “Guo Da Li” in Chinese, usually include tea, fruits, and jewellery.
The significance of the colour red in Chinese weddings
Red is the colour of love, luck, and happiness in Chinese culture and plays a significant role in Chinese weddings. The bride wears a red dress called a “Qipao,” which is also called Cheongsam embroidered with good luck and happiness symbols. The groom also wears red, usually a red tie or cummerbund.
Red is also used in the wedding decorations, such as wedding invitations, wedding venues, and wedding favours. Red lanterns are often hung to symbolize good luck and fortune.
The tea ceremony and its importance in Chinese weddings
The tea ceremony is a significant part of the Chinese wedding tradition. It is usually held after the wedding ceremony and before the wedding banquet. During the tea ceremony, the newlyweds serve tea to their parents and elderly relatives as a sign of respect and gratitude.
The tea ceremony is also a way for the newlyweds to show their appreciation to their parents for raising and nurturing them. It is a touching moment that symbolizes the couple’s gratitude and filial piety.
The wedding banquet and its traditions
The wedding banquet is the highlight of the wedding day. It is usually held in the evening and is a grand celebration of the newlyweds’ union. The wedding banquet is a feast of Chinese cuisine and an opportunity for the couple to show their hospitality to their guests.
During the wedding banquet, the couple will perform a toast to their guests, thanking them for their attendance and support. The guests will also give red envelopes, called “Hongbao,” which is also called Angpow to the couple, containing money as a sign of good luck and prosperity.
Traditional Chinese wedding attire and accessories
The bride’s wedding attire is traditionally a red Qipao embroidered with symbols of good luck and happiness. The Qipao is usually made with silk or satin and is often adorned with gold or silver thread. The groom’s attire is usually a black or blue suit with a red tie or a red cummerbund.
The bride will also wear a “Phoenix Crown,” which is a traditional headdress made of gold or silver and adorned with pearls and precious stones. The groom will wear a “Dragon and Phoenix” robe, which symbolizes the union of the couple.
Symbolism in Chinese Wedding decorations
Chinese wedding decorations are filled with symbolism and meaning. For example, the Chinese word for “double happiness” is often seen in the decorations, as it symbolizes good luck and happiness. Red lanterns are also commonly used, as they are believed to ward off evil spirits.
In addition to the decorations, the wedding venue is also carefully chosen for its symbolic meaning. For example, the venue may be near a river or a lake, as water symbolizes wealth and prosperity in Chinese culture.
Modern adaptations of Chinese wedding traditions
As Chinese culture evolves, so do its wedding traditions. Many modern couples incorporate Western wedding customs into their Chinese wedding ceremony. For example, some couples may choose to have a white wedding dress for the bride or to exchange wedding rings.
Despite the modern adaptations, traditional Chinese wedding customs and rituals remain an important part of the wedding ceremony for many Chinese couples.
Chinese wedding superstitions and Taboos
Chinese weddings are full of superstitions and taboos, and it is important to avoid them to ensure a happy and prosperous marriage. For example, it is considered bad luck for the bride to wear green or black on her wedding day. Breaking a mirror or sweeping the floor during the wedding banquet is also considered bad luck.
Top 10 Chinese Wedding Superstitions and Traditions to Follow
Conclusion
Chinese wedding traditions are steeped in symbolism and meaning and are an important part of Chinese culture. From the pre-wedding rituals to the wedding banquet, every aspect of the Chinese wedding ceremony is carefully chosen to bring good luck and happiness to the newlyweds.
If you plan to have a Chinese wedding, consider incorporating some of these traditions into your ceremony. At 50gram Wedding, we are committed to making your chinese wedding planning experience stress-free and truly delightful. With our extensive experience in budgeting and a vast network of trusted vendors, we can secure the best prices for all your wedding needs, from venue hire to photographer services. But that’s not all – we take it a step further by harnessing the power of AI-driven technology to provide you with informed insights and recommendations on allocating your resources wisely and making smarter decisions.
FAQ
The Hair Combing Ceremony is an important pre-wedding ritual in Chinese weddings. It symbolizes the bride’s transition from childhood to adulthood. During this ceremony, the bride’s mother or an elderly female relative combs the bride’s hair and ties it in a bun while reciting auspicious phrases.
The Betrothal Ceremony, or “Guo Da Li,” is a pre-wedding tradition in Chinese weddings. It is usually held a few weeks before the wedding day. During this ceremony, the groom’s family presents gifts to the bride’s family as a sign of respect and commitment. The gifts typically include tea, fruits, and jewellery.
Red is significant in Chinese culture and plays a prominent wedding role. It symbolizes love, luck, and happiness. In Chinese weddings, the bride traditionally wears a red dress called a “Qipao” or “Cheongsam,” embroidered with good luck and happiness symbols. Red is also used in wedding decorations, invitations, and favours to symbolize good luck and fortune.
The tea ceremony holds significant importance in Chinese weddings. It usually takes place after the wedding ceremony and before the wedding banquet. During the tea ceremony, the newlyweds serve tea to their parents and elderly relatives as a gesture of respect and gratitude. It symbolizes the couple’s appreciation for their parent’s care and upbringing.
Giving red envelopes, known as “Angpow” or “Hongbao,” is a common tradition in Chinese weddings. Guests give red envelopes containing money to the couple as a gesture of good luck and prosperity. It is believed to bring blessings and support to the couple in their new journey together.
