Chinese Wedding 中国 婚姻 (Zhong guo hun yun) Lily Phay (Fei Lian) / Chinese 101 / Professor Zhou / March 2013

OBJECTIVE目标 : Introduction: About Chinese Wedding (mù biāo) Introduction: About Chinese Wedding Comparison: Chinese vs. American Experience: “Getting in Touch” New Findings & Thoughts: Games (Picking up the bribe) Summary

Red – used in Chinese celebrations (weddings, birthday, etc Red – used in Chinese celebrations (weddings, birthday, etc.) It is considered good luck and beliefs of driving evil sprits away. Double Happiness – represents luck, happiness, and love. It is a paper cut out decoration, mainly place to attract the eyes on a young couple's wedding. Dragon and Phoenix – symbolizes the newlyweds love will last till the end, everlasting love and happiness. They will stay together through thick and thin. The Dragon and Phoenix creates the yin-yang balance. The Dragon is the yang and the Phoenix is the yin.

Introduction: Proposing & Betrothal Day When the groom’s family sees potential in a future bride, they would hire a matchmaker/go-between. Exchange of birth dates to present to an astrological expert. Betrothal Day: A formal meeting between the two families, where the grooms family presents proposal gifts to the brides family and discuss planning. 聘礼 pìn lǐ (Brides price) Double Happiness Cakes

Introduction: Groom & Bride Outfits Most outfits are the color red Embroidery: gold and silver colors, design Dragon & Phoenix Women: Cheongsam/Qipao 起跑 is typical wedding dress wear. Men: Nowadays, they would wear a regular tuxedo w/ red tie.

Introduction: Pre-wedding Bed setting ritual – installation of a new bed, sheets, pillows , etc. Children are usually attended, the more the merrier. 嫁妆jià zhuāng (dowry)-given by the bride's family to the groom or newly formed household at the time of their marriage. (appliances for new home) Contains: Furniture Clothing Jewelry Tea, Dried Fruits, Etc.

Introduction: wedding day Picking up Bride Tea Ceremony Similar to exchange of vows To show appreciation and respect to the families After kneeling and serving the tea to parents and eldest relatives. The relatives would give their blessings and gifts. After every finishing of the tea ritual and leaving Red umbrella is held over the bride Rice is thrown hoping for the gold chicken (Good Luck) Groom picks up bride at her home with Sedan Fireworks & Music are performed

Introduction: food Here are some common foods served at a Chinese wedding, they all have symbolism. Roast Suckling Pork- Virginity Lobster- joy & completeness Shark Fin Soup - Wealth Fish – plenty / “plentiful” Quail/Fowl– peace/ good life Peach Sweet Bun – sweet/ long life

Introduction: post wedding ritual The day after the wedding, the bride should get up in the morning to cook for the groom, showing she is well-nurtured. Three days after the wedding, the newlyweds will go visit the bride’s family.

Experience : “Getting in Touch” Location: Chinatown in LA N Broadway at North Hill St, Downtown, Los Angeles, CA 90012 Experience: I went to Chinatown to see the variety of Chinese wedding dresses. Dresses are more expensive with more embroidery detailing.

Comparison: Chinese vs. American Wedding outfits Americans wear white and Chinese wear red Exchanging Vows Americans have a priest/minster and Chinese have Tea Ceremony

New Thoughts & Findings: Picking up the bribe – Door Game Originated: During ancient time, when family and friends would delay the brides leaving by playing tricks or by asking questions about the bride. It is a way to test the groom knowledge and care for the bride. “ang pau””- money in red envelope, used to bribe the family and friends to get through the bride’s door. Examples: Singing a love song loudly, allows bride to hear Questions about bride, answers incorrectly, receives punishment (push-ups/drinking something gross)

Summary: Proposal & betrothal day Bed Ritual Dowry Picking up the bride Tea Ceremony Post Rituals Wedding is very stressful, contains tons of money and planning!!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhLjNsiiNgU Wedding Video:

Resources: http://www.chinabridal.com/etiquette/guide.htm http://www.travelchinaguide.com/intro/social_customs/marriage/ http://multiculturalcookingnetwork.com/food-a-cultural-history/item/1537-chinese-wedding-tradition.html?tmpl=component&print=1 http://www.chcp.org/banquet.html http://www.thecrabbynookgarden.com/dragonphoenix.html http://www.7x7.com/wedding-resource/traditional-yet-modern-chinese-wedding-montara-beach#/4