What are chinese marriage rituals?

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Chinese traditions, like the traditions of many other cultures, have evolved over thousands of years and have become less strict over time. The process of betrothal and marriage is far less formal than it was in years past, but there are still many deeply rooted cultural rituals that are followed to this day. After a Chinese couple has chosen an auspicious wedding date, the following are a few of the traditional marriage rituals that will be performed.

1. New Bed

   • A new bed for the newlyweds is provided by the parents, and it is set up for the couple by a female relative or friend of the family who is well-respected. After this has been done, young children are traditionally invited onto the bed to jump on it and, in some cases, sleep in it in order to bless the new couple with fertility. Some families also follow the tradition of having the groom sleep in the bed alone on the night before the wedding.

   Tea Ceremony

   • After the marriage ceremony, the newlywed couple will either kneel or bow three times to heaven and earth, to their parents, to the ancestral tablets, and finally to one another. Once this is complete, the bride will present tea to her and her husband's parents and other relatives in order of seniority. These relatives will often bestow small gifts upon the bride as they are served the tea.

   Dresses

   • The Chinese bride will wear three different dresses over the course of her wedding day. The first will usually be a western-style white dress with a veil, which she will wear during the marriage ceremony itself. After the ceremony, she will then put on a traditional Chinese bridal dress for the tea ceremony and wedding reception. This dress will be one or two pieces and is typically embroidered with elaborate gold and silver designs. Finally, she will change into a cocktail dress, which she will wear as she greets guests and sees them off at the end of the reception.

   Post-Wedding

   • On the day after the wedding, the bride will be formally introduced to all of her new husband's family and friends and will kneel before each older relative to be given a small gift. She and her husband will then go to visit her family three days after the wedding. During this visit, the bride will be received as a guest by her relatives.

Source: www.ehow.com

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