Live Life Team
In the Chinese tradition, a woman marries the man’s family, not just the man himself. After a suitable match has been made with the assistance of a matchmaker of sorts, the man’s family sends gifts to the woman’s parents as a way of thanking them for raising such a fine daughter. In return, the parents formally agree to the marriage and to relinquish their daughter from their care.
On the day of the wedding, the bride bathes in grape water and perfume, which is thought to drive away evil spirits. She must be attended to by a “good luck” woman – a lady who is married and already has children. The good luck woman will fix her hair in an elaborate style. She then picks the bride up and carries her to the home’s main hall on her back. Once in the hall, the bride puts on her wedding clothing: a jacket and skirt, red shoes and a silk veil for her face. Then the bride bows to her parents.
The groom wears a long red gown with a sash over the shoulder, red shoes and cap. He also bows to his parents, then they all head for the bride’s house. As they walk down the street, the evil spirits are chased away by drums and fire crackers. The groom dines with the bride’s family, he is presented with a pair of ceremonial chopsticks and then the bride is taken to his house in a sedan chair.
Once at the home they will find a bed covered with grapes, dates and pomegranates. Children will be sitting on the bed to bless the couple and ensure lots of babies.
