The Importance of Hair Combing Ceremony For Your Singapore Wedding
Chinese wedding comes with a lot of traditions, from the An Chuang (setting the bridal bed) to the Guo Da Li (betrothal). If you're interested, click here to find out ALL the Chinese wedding customs that every Singaporean couple should know.
The hair combing ceremony ("shang tou") is a ritual that marks the transition of the bride and groom from adolescence to adulthood, and from being single to married. Today, it is still widely practiced in Singapore and is considered an essential pre-wedding event that bestows blessings upon the couple.
Here’s everything you need to know about the hair combing ceremony.
What is the hair combing ceremony about?
The hair combing ceremony, or Shang Tou, traditionally takes place in the home of the bride and groom respectively, usually on the eve of the wedding. It symbolizes the cleansing of bad influences and the welcoming of a new stage of life filled with good fortune and happiness.
How to perform the hair combing ceremony?
- Decide on an auspicious time. You can consult a fortune teller or Feng Shui master if you wish.
- Preparation. The bride and groom, each in their own home, bathe in water infused with pomelo or pomegranate leaves to wash away evil influences.
- Dressing up. They then dress in new pajamas or traditional attire, signifying a fresh start.
- Combing. A parent or a respected elder who enjoys good fortune (often this person has a complete family, successful children, and a harmonious marriage) combs the hair of the bride/groom four times. Each stroke carries a specific blessing, and as you comb the hair, blessings are chanted to reinforce the auspiciousness of the occasion.
First comb: From the beginning till the end (May your marriage last a lifetime).
Second comb: Harmony from now till old age.
Third comb: Many offspring and a prosperous family.
Fourth comb: Wealth and long-lasting marriage.
Symbolisms
The ceremony is packed with symbolism:
- The Number Four: The act of combing the hair four times aligns with the Chinese belief in the significance of the number four, representing stability and completeness.
- Pomelo or Pomegranate Leaves: These are known for their purifying and protective properties.
- New Clothing: Wearing new clothes signifies leaving old ways, misfortunes, and family ties behind, stepping into a new family life.
Modern Interpretations
While traditional elements are central, modern adaptations in Singapore often see a blend of old and new. Some couples choose to have a more intimate ceremony with just the closest family members present, while others might choose to skip this entirely.
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