Chinese weddings are rich in cultural traditions, with several symbolic rituals meant to bring good fortune to the newlyweds. Among these are the hair-combing ceremony, leaving the bride’s home, and entering the groom’s home, all of which signify readiness for marriage, family unity, and blessings for the future.
The hair-combing ceremony occurs the night before the wedding, with the bride and groom separately combing their hair as a sign of maturity and preparation for marriage. This ritual symbolizes the “smoothing” away of worries, promising a harmonious future. Before combing, each bathes in water boiled with pomelo leaves to cleanse any negativity. Wearing new red underwear and pyjamas, the bride and groom are then attended by an “auspicious lady” – someone with a prosperous family – who combs their hair while blessing them. This ceremony concludes with the families enjoying sweet tong yuen, symbolizing a future filled with unity and sweetness.
The next morning, the groom and his groomsmen arrive at the bride’s family home to “pick up” the bride, dressed in traditional red attire, typically the qun kua. Before meeting his bride, the groom must complete a set of heng tai (door games) designed by the bridesmaids to test his worthiness. Once he proves himself, the bride and groom perform a tea ceremony for the bride’s elders, offering gratitude and receiving blessings in return. When she is ready to leave her family home, the bride’s chaperon opens a red umbrella over her, symbolizing protection and honoring her status. In traditional times, this umbrella replaced the bridal sedan that kept the bride from touching the ground or seeing the sky. Some rice may be scattered to symbolize blessings for children.
Upon entering the groom’s home, the couple greets the family and performs a second tea ceremony, this time for the groom’s elders. If space allows, the family then hosts a meal at the groom’s home; however, due to space constraints, families now often celebrate together in a nearby restaurant.
An additional ritual, “returning to the bride’s home,” may follow this meal. Within three days of the wedding, the couple brings gifts to the bride’s family to express gratitude, including a suckling pig. Customarily, the bride’s family returns parts of the pig, symbolizing acceptance and unity between the two families.
These meaningful rituals, steeped in tradition, complete the Chinese wedding, blessing the couple with harmony, respect, and good fortune as they begin their lives together.
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