Let’s go back to ancient China, with over 2,400 years of tradition. What are the elements of a traditional Chinese wedding? In the Chinese culture, a wedding is the joining and enhancing of two families and ensuring succession. They have deep reverence to parents and ancestors.

I asked some “Tsinoy” (part Chinese and part Filipino) friends about traditional Chinese weddings. How were weddings celebrated during Medieval China and Contemporary China? Many traditions are still practiced today.

First, a Feng Shui consultation is scheduled to select an auspicious wedding date. The Chinese almanac containing predictions for the entire year serves as a guide. Second, a Double Happiness Symbol is used to represent the young newlywed’s happiness together. Third, a Tea Ceremony using lotus seeds and two red dates are served to the newlyweds as omen to produce children. In addition, the sweetness of the tea will predict their sweet relationship. Fourth, lucky red envelopes or “ampao” are filled with money or jewelry and presented to the newlyweds. [Read more...]