All the Chinese Wedding Rituals That Every Singaporean Couple Needs To Know
Many Singaporean couples and their families embrace the traditional Chinese wedding customs to honour their heritage. Many young, modern Singaporean couples, however, are not familiar with the cultural significance of these centuries-old rituals requested by their families.
Here’s every important wedding ritual that you should know about, if you are planning a Chinese wedding in Singapore.
1. Guo Da Li (Betrothal Ceremony)
The Guo Da Li is an engagement ceremony that takes place a few weeks before the wedding. The groom and his family present gifts to the bride's family, symbolizing respect and gratitude. The items traditionally include cakes, fruits, and jewelry, each carrying specific meanings like prosperity, fertility, and luck.
2. An Chuang Ceremony (Setting the Bridal Bed)
The An Chuang takes place a few days before the wedding. A woman of good fortune arranges the new bedding and places auspicious items like red envelopes, oranges, and grains on the bed to promote fertility and good luck. The bed is left undisturbed until the wedding night to seal the blessings.
3. Hair Combing Ceremony (Shang Tou)
Conducted on the eve of the wedding, usually at the respective homes of the bride and groom, hair combing marks the transition from childhood to adulthood. Parents or respected elders comb the bride's and groom’s hair while reciting blessings. The ceremony is meant to ward off evil spirits and bless the couple with a lifetime of happiness.
4. Fetching the Bride (Gatecrashing)
On the wedding day, the groom, accompanied by his groomsmen, travels to the bride’s home to "fetch" her. This often involves a series of games and tasks set by the bridesmaids (known as "gatecrashing") to test the groom’s dedication and love, followed by the giving of red packets to the bridesmaids as a token of appreciation.
5. Tea Ceremony
One of the most heartfelt rituals, the tea ceremony usually occurs at the homes of both the bride and the groom or at the wedding venue. The couple serves tea to their elders, symbolizing respect and gratitude. In return, the couple receives blessings and gifts, often in the form of gold jewelry or red envelopes.
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