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

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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

12. 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)

13. 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!!!!
Wedding Video:

14. Resources: http://www.chinabridal.com/etiquette/guide.htm