Customs and Traditions

A traditional Chinese wedding has several very memorable symbols and items which make it unique. If you’ve ever attended a Chinese wedding yourself, you will have noticed two things about the décor: a proliferation of the color red, and the ubiquity of the double happiness (囍) symbol.

In Chinese culture, the practise of giving gifts at weddings isn't reserved for the guests to the couple, as is mostly the case in Western nuptials. Since the bride is considered to be a gift from her family to the groom's in China, it is only the husband's family who give presents to the wife's. This is known as the wedding trousseau, or "hūn lĭ jià zhuāng" (婚礼嫁妆).

China is a nation of romantics. Chinese people adore love stories and have communally passed down many ancient tales of romance and love through the generations. Though there are literally hundreds of love stories in Chinese culture, there are several that are remembered most often and considered beloved tales.

Animal symbolism has a long history in Chinese culture. The famed zodiac animals are one such example of creatures representing notable characteristics and themes. However, this is not the only instance of Chinese animal symbolism; there are several creatures, both real and mythical, that represent romantic themes and ideas related to love.

Chinese culture is often superstitious, so for as many auspicious aspects of a wedding that must be tended to, there are as many taboos and things to avoid. Some of these involve the bride and groom themselves, others are important for guests, and some include the décor or arrangement of activities.