KUPASONLINE.COM — Chinese wedding customs, like other wedding customs, have historical wisdom that is rich in meaning. Broadly speaking, the processions that accompany the wedding moments of every couple of Chinese descent are divided into 3 stages, namely before the wedding, wedding, and after the wedding. The following details the preparations that must be made by the bride and groom for each process:
Procession Before the Wedding Day
Application:
For the application process, there are couples who rely on their elders to determine the time, and there are also those who don’t pay much attention to this matter of time. The most important role in this process is held by a person who acts like a ‘matchmaker’ sent by the male party. This ‘Matchmaker’ will send a message to the woman’s family that their sons and daughters are the right match to go down the aisle.
Determination:
If the signal from the matchmaker receives a positive response, then both parties can determine when the next process, namely Sangjit, may be carried out.
Sangjit:
This process is important in the wedding ceremony of every Chinese couple. The right time to do sangjit can be consulted with parents who understand calendar issues. Sangjit is usually held between 1 month and 1 week before the wedding reception and takes place during the day between 10.00 and 13.00 WIB followed by lunch.
Preparation of the groom’s family:
Items handed over by the sangjit in the form of 12 trays which will later be handed over to the prospective bride’s family, including: Cosmetics and toiletries; a set of jewelery for the bride; Clothing/fabric and accessories for the bride; Milk money (ang pao) and party money (each in a red envelope). This money can be taken in part or in whole with the respective consequences; Three trays of 18 pieces each; Two pairs of sizable red candles tied with red ribbons; A pair of pork legs (canned food can be substituted if not available) and 6 cans of peas; One tray contains 18 pieces of red cupcakes; One tray holds two bottles of wine or champagne; As well as a tray containing a combination of gold coins, two bundles of double happiness ribbons, glass and one cake.
