3 Chinese Wedding Facts Explained: Traditions and Superstitions
Superstition, honour and tradition – all play their part at a Chinese wedding. Here are 3 simple facts about Chinese wedding to keep you in the know.
Nowadays in China, especially in the cities, a traditional Chinese wedding is rarely seen. Modern weddings often involve gathering the bride and groom’s friends for a lavish meal in a luxurious restaurant. But let’s now take a closer look at 3 important facts about traditional Chinese weddings.
1. Superstition: Birth Date Matching in Chinese Weddings
In traditional Chinese wedding customs before a wedding took place a matchmaker was sent by the boy’s family to the girl’s family to ask about her name and birth date. These details were then given to a fortune teller to check if the marriage was a good match. Only when the fortune teller confirmed a happy marriage match could the wedding proceed.
This practice of birth date matching in Chinese weddings is an important part of Chinese wedding traditions believed to bring harmony and happiness to the couple’s life together.
2. Honour: Betrothal Gifts Are a Must at a Chinese Wedding
After both families agreed to the marriage, the boy’s family would send betrothal gifts in traditional Chinese weddings. These gifts can include clothes, jewelry, gold, silver and more. In modern Chinese wedding traditions cash gifts have become the preferred choice.
The bride’s family also prepares a dowry in Chinese weddings. The amount and quality of the dowry often determine the bride’s future status within her husband’s family. This is an important part of Chinese marriage customs honour and respect.
3. Tradition: Chinese Wedding Bridal Sedan and Three Bows
In traditional Chinese wedding customs wealthy families used a bridal sedan to welcome the bride on the wedding day. Loud piping and drumming accompanied her journey to the groom’s home. Upon arrival the couple performed the important ritual of three bows in Chinese weddings.
- The first bow was to Heaven and Earth.
- The second bow showed respect to the elders and relatives.
- The third bow was between the bride and groom.
These three formal bows are still performed at most modern Chinese weddings today. However the use of the bridal sedan is much less common in modern times.
What are the wedding traditions in your country?
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To learn more about Chinese culture and traditional Chinese weddings why not join one of our cultural events at That’s Mandarin for an authentic experience.
FAQ: 3 Chinese Wedding Facts Explained Traditions and Superstitions
01. What role does superstition play in traditional Chinese weddings?
Superstition is very important in Chinese weddings Practices like birth date matching and consulting fortune tellers help ensure a harmonious and successful marriage
02. Why are betrothal gifts important in Chinese wedding customs?
Betrothal gifts symbolize honour, respect and commitment between the two families. They are a key part of traditional Chinese marriage ceremonies and can include jewelry gold and dowry.
03. What is the significance of the three bows in Chinese wedding traditions?
The three bows show respect to Heaven and Earth elders and to each other. This ritual is a meaningful part of the wedding ceremony still performed in many Chinese weddings today.
04. Are these traditional Chinese wedding customs still practiced today?
While some customs like the bridal sedan are less common, modern Chinese weddings often keep important traditions like the three bows and gift exchanges alive.
05. How can I learn more about Chinese wedding traditions and culture?
You can explore cultural events language schools and online resources like That’s Mandarin to deepen your understanding of Chinese weddings and culture.
