The Chinese traditional wedding is full of vivid details, from the first step of betrothal to the grand wedding ceremony. The process of such a ritual is very interesting. Although it has lost its popularity to some extent because of some out-dated customs, there is a trend of reviving the traditional wedding. After all, it is an important part of the Chinese culture.
What is Betrothal ?
Betrothal also known as "Guo Ta Lai" is one of the important event in the Chinese Wedding. In fact without this, the custom is considered invalid. This gesture has a meaning to prove the sincerity towards the marriage between the binding of two families and promises of taking care of the Bride.
These gifts are a treasured part of the wedding process for traditional Chinese families. As the Chinese consider the bride a gift to the groom, the wedding gifts are traditionally given by the groom's family to the bride's family in return for raising the bride to marriageable age and to "compensate" them for this service.
It comprises of gifts and cash delivered to the bride's home by the groom. Of which the bride's family will accept and return half to avoid giving the impression of "selling" their daughter.
"Guo Ta Lai" will takes place a couple of weeks before the actual wedding day on an auspicious date and time of course.
The Groom's family will prepare the betrothal gifts based on the dialects and requirements of both the families. All the items must symbolize all the good elements -- Good Luck, Prospertity, Fertility, Peace, Happiness and Longevity and also all gifts should come in even numbers, meaning "good things together" in the Chinese culture.
Traditional Chinese Wedding Gifts includes :-
After received the entire gifts from the groom's family, the bride's family has to say their prayers for blessings from the gods and their ancestors.
BRIDE and GROOM TO BE >>>>>> It is taboo, please do not consume any GTL food items.
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