A Full List of Guo Da Li Items to Prepare For Your Singapore Wedding (and the Meaning Behind Them)
Chinese weddings are celebrated with deep-rooted traditions that symbolize blessings, prosperity, and happiness. One of the essential pre-wedding ceremonies is the Guo Da Li, where the groom’s family presents gifts to the bride's family. We have demystified the cultural roots and significance of GDL for you in this article.
Preparing for your Guo Da Li can be a lot of work. Most of the time goes into gathering the right items to present to your in-laws. Here’s a comprehensive list of common Guo Da Li items and the rich meanings they carry.
1. Betrothal Gifts (聘礼)
The groom and his family brings these auspicious and meaningful items for the bride.
- Jewelry: Often includes gold bracelets, necklaces, or earrings. These items represent a wish for wealth and also serve as a form of security for the bride.
- Dragon and Phoenix Cakes (龙凤饼): Symbolize the balance of power and support between the bride (phoenix) and groom (dragon).
- Grains: Rice and red beans are included to wish the couple a fertile union and prosperity.
- Auspicious Fruits: Oranges and pomegranates are commonly given for fertility and a blessed marriage.
2. Double Happiness Cakes (双喜饼)
These are traditional Chinese wedding cakes, which are shared with the bride's family and friends to spread the joy of the upcoming union.
3. Tea Leaves and Sesame Seeds
Representing fertility and a hope for many children, these are traditional gifts that bless the couple with a fruitful marriage.
4. Red Packets
Containing money, these packets are gifted to symbolize prosperity and good luck for the couple's future together.
5. Roasted Pig
A whole roasted pig is presented to the bride's family if traditional customs are strictly followed, symbolizing virginity and purity.
6. Liquor and Tobacco
Typically included as a sign of respect and good fortune, although modern couples may choose to omit these for personal or health reasons.
7. Traditional Chinese Bed Setting Items
- Bed Sheet: Red in color, representing luck and joy.
- Baby Prosperity Set: Includes baby clothes and toys, symbolizing the wish for children.
- Pillowcases: Embroidered with children and lotus patterns for fertility and good fortune.
8. Pair of Candles
These are usually red and are decorated with the dragon and phoenix symbols. Lighting these candles is believed to ward off evil spirits.
9. Hui Li (回礼), the Return of Gifts
Almost everything above is prepared by the GROOM'S FAMILY. But this one is prepared by the BRIDE'S FAMILY.
This signifies the bride's family accepting the marriage. Hui li means the "return of gifts." It can include things like:
- Watch, cufflink, or wallet
- Portion of the gifts they receive from him (e.g. head and tail of the roast pig)
- Dowry ("jia zhuang" 嫁妆), such as jewelry, a tea set, and other goods that help start the couple's new life together.
When you present these gifts, be sure to follow the important do's and don'ts of the ceremony. Happy GDL!
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