Chinese Tea Ceremony
History
The traditional Chinese wedding is one of the most important ceremonies in Chinese culture with influence from Confucian and Buddhist ideologies. It is a significant day not only to the couple involved but also for both families. Thus, it usually includes quite a few formal ritual observances.
The marriage ceremony usually is prepared carefully between the bride and the bride-groom as well as their families. One or two days before the wedding, both the bride's family and the bride-groom's family build a nice frame in front of their houses. They usually use coconut leaves to create this frame and have a nice word on the top of the gate of this frame, such as bride's wedding or bride-groom's wedding. So, whoever look at this sign, they know whether it is the bride's house or bride-groom's house.
The day of the wedding consists of an extensive array of ceremonies: the first is the ceremony to ask permission to receive the bride, the second is the procession to receive the bride at her house, the third is to the procession of bringing the bride to the groom's house.
Betrothal Ceremony
Preparations for the wedding first begins by choosing a date and time for the marriage ceremony. This is decided by a Buddhist monk or Spiritual leader due to the spiritual nature of the occasion. Normally, both bride and groom or their parents go to the Monks or fortune teller to see what date and time is best for them. They strongly believe in this date and time so the groom's family and relatives must come on time. Some days before the wedding, they will visit the bride and her family with round lacquered boxes known as betrothal presents. It composes of areca nuts and betel leaves, tea, cake, fruits, wines and other delicacies which covered with red cloth and carried by unmarried girls or boys.
Asking Permission to Receive the Bride
On the morning of the wedding day, the groom's mother and along with a few other close relatives would make a trip to the bride's home, carrying a gift of betel. The mother would officially ask permission to "receive" the bride and then notify the family of the time groom's procession would arrive at the bride's house. It was at this time that the bride's family would confirm the wedding and further proceedings would take place.
Receiving the Bride at her Home
On the day of the wedding, there is first a procession and gifting by the groom's family for the bride and her family. The procession of the groom’s family is led in specific order. Usually, the first person will be a man chosen as the representative of the groom's house, followed by the groom's father, the groom, then the rest of his immediate family and close friends. Huge traditional umbrellas are carried and accompany the front of the procession.
The number of people participating in the groom's procession varies but is usually restricted to a smaller number (20 or so) to make it easier on the bride's family, which must receive all the guests.
In the procession, the groom, his family and friends bear elaborately decorated lacquer boxes, covered in red cloth. Inside these boxes are gifts representing the wealth that the groom's family will bring to the bride's family. Gifts include betel, wine, tea, fruit, cakes, a roast pig, fabric or clothing for the bride, and an abundance of jewelry for the bride. Usually, the number of gift boxes varies between 6 or 8, but never 7 or 9 since it is seen as bad luck.
Upon arriving at the bride's home, the procession lights fireworks to alert the bride's family, who then lights its own round of firecrackers to welcome the groom's procession. Members of the procession are introduced to the bride's family, and the bride's family introduces its members to the procession. The groom presents his gifts to the bride's family, and he is given permission to greet the bride, who is finally brought out.
Blessing From Ancestors
The ceremony of permission from the bride's deceased ancestors begins in front of the bride's ancestor altar. The bride and groom kneel in front of the altar and burn incense sticks, asking permission from the bride's ancestors to bless their marriage and their future family. Afterward, the couple turn and bow to their parents, giving thanks for raising and protecting them. The bride and groom then bow to each other.
Tea Ceremony
A formal tea, candle ceremony and speeches follow. The bride and groom, in front of all their guests, will serve tea to their parents. Each parent will then give advice about marriage and family to the couple. A candle ceremony will follow, symbolizing the joining of the bride and groom and the joining of the two families. The groom's gift boxes filled with jewelry will be opened by the groom’s mother, who will then put each piece on the bride for good fortune.
