Wedding Traditions in China

When it comes to wedding, customs and traditions vary from culture to culture and in each different country. Each country in the world follows a set of traditions that offers shape to the grand celebration of marriage. Tying the knot is never complete without traditions that date back to ancient years. Similarly, China, a country of strong cultural appeal also holds a strong value of traditions and customs in their festivals and celebrations. Wedding traditions in china include the usage of color red in their marriage ceremony along with a number of pre and post marriage celebrations. These customs are believed to bring in good luck in the couples new beginning dispelling the evil.

Popular Chinese Wedding Traditions

Wedding traditions and customs in china reflects the strong cultural and historic appeal of the nation. Here is a look at some of the popular beliefs and post and pre marriage rituals that are considered as wedding traditions in China -

Red is the Color of Weddings in China

Red is the chief color that is used in all different themes of Chinese wedding. The color that represents joy, love, and prosperity is used in varied forms in the décor and design of a Chinese marriage. The wedding gown of the bride often comes in the color of red along with the invitations and gift boxes or envelopes for cash gifts. Even the houses of the bride and groom are decorated in color red on the day of wedding.

Before the Wedding Day

Following of wedding traditions in China starts from the previous day of marriage with the bride following a number of customs.

Generally, the bride goes into seclusion with her closest friends on the pre-marriage date. It is believed that this time offers the bride to be an opportunity to spend her last day at home with close friends and family members.

At times before the marriage, wedding gifts are carried from the groom’s side to the bride’s house in red baskets and boxes. One of the baskets will contain uang susu" or 'milk money' while the other will contain all the personal things for her use.

The Day of the Wedding

Following of ancient customs and age-old beliefs forms a significant part of Chinese wedding celebration especially on the wedding day.

Anniversaries of wedding in China are carefully selected in accordance to the astrological signs. Traditionally the couples are married on the half hour on the wedding day rather than at the top of the hour. It is believed this would let the couples start their new life in an upswing.

On the wedding day morning, grooms are generally, dressed by his parents. On his way to the chapel, the groom arrives at the brides house with cash gifts wrapped in red tissue to present it to the bride’s friend in exchange for “letting her go”.

Traditions of Chinese Wedding Reception

Wedding traditions in China ensures that the marriage ceremony is attended by only the immediate families of the couple.

The bride is required to serve tea to her in –laws in a formal way just after the ceremony is over and before the wedding reception.

Before getting ready for their reception, the bride and the groom usually visit a professional studio for their wedding pictures.

A welcome speech is usually given by an MC coordinating the event, which is followed by a cake – cutting ceremony.

The Wedding cake comes with many layers, as it is believed to represent success for the couple.

Traditionally, a Chinese bride is required to change her attire at least three times within the evening.