It is to be noted that Chinese weddings are full of traditions. They have to be followed accordingly although these days, it is depending on your parents if they don’t mind following only some of the important procedures based on their preferences.

[via Flickr]

Your boyfriend has now proposed to you and his next step is to ask for your parent’s blessings. According to customs, an elaborate process has begun. Marriage is considered to be extending the ancestral line, thus, the gifts are sent to the girl’s family with someone to act as a go-between.

If the proposal is well-received, the girl’s 8 characters would be documented. The 8 characters contain the date and time of the girl’s birth. This document would be placed on the ancestral altar for 3 days. If no inauspicious omens such as parents quarreling, or property loss, this information will be given to an astrological expert to confirm that the boy and the girl would make a good match.

The boy’s 8 characters would then be given to the girl’s family for the same process. After these processes have proved to be favourable, the 2 families would meet up for the betrothal. All these are part of the planning process too.

Is the proposal different for each of the Chinese dialect groups? What are the customs that you have followed or planning to follow prior to your wedding day?

Popularity: 24% [?]