Cantonese Betrothal Gifts For Traditional Chinese Wedding (Complete List)
In the realm of traditional Chinese weddings, the Betrothal Ceremony is a pivotal moment that embodies centuries-old customs and symbolizes the union of two families.
The exchange of gifts during this ceremony holds deep cultural and symbolic meaning, reflecting the values of love, respect, and prosperity.
In this guide, we’ll explore the significance of Cantonese Chinese Wedding Betrothal Ceremony Gifts, shedding light on their rich symbolism.
Gift list for traditional Cantonese betrothal ceremony
Betrothal Money (聘金)
Meaning: Expressing Gratitude and Acknowledging the Bride’s Family
The tradition of presenting betrothal money dates back to ancient times when it served as a token of appreciation to the bride’s family for raising their daughter. In modern times, betrothal money continues to symbolize gratitude and respect towards the bride’s family for nurturing the bride-to-be.
Gold Jewelry (金鉓)
Meaning: Wealth and Prosperity Gold jewelry is a symbol of wealth and prosperity.
It is a wish for the couple to enjoy financial abundance and a prosperous life together.
Traditional Chinese Wedding Pastries (喜餅)
Meaning: Sharing Joy and Happiness
Expressing gratitude to relatives and friends. Dowry cakes were historically used to announce a wedding, as transportation was challenging in the past. They were sent as invitations to friends and relatives. Traditional dowry cakes include walnut cookies, yellow bean cakes, and red bean pastry, all carrying positive connotations.
Dragon Phoenix Cakes (龍鳳餅)
Meaning: Auspiciousness and Unity
The dragon phoenix cakes are an auspicious symbol of the dragon and phoenix, representing harmony and unity in marriage. They are used in hair ceremony and worshiping ancestors.
2 Pairs of Chinese Wedding Dragon Phoenix Wax Candles (龍鳳燭)
Meaning: Eternal Love and Happiness
These candles are lit during hair ceremony, signifying the couple’s eternal love and happiness. It is believed that the first candle to burn out predicts which spouse will have a more dominant role in the marriage. Of course, it will be perfect to have the candles burn off at the same time, meaning forever happiness in marriage.
Dried Seafood – 4, 6, or 8 Treasures (四/六/八式海味)
Meaning: Abundance and Prosperity
Dried seafood, such as black moss, abalones, oysters, scallops, fish maws, sea cucumbers, shrimps, mushrooms and more, symbolize abundance and prosperity. The number of treasures represents different levels of blessings.
3 Types of Meats – Chicken, Pork, Fish (三牲)
Meaning: A Wish for Harmony and Prosperity
Three animals, usually two pairs of chickens, two pigs, and two pairs of fish, are included in the ceremony. The chickens represent harmony and unity, while the pigs symbolize wealth, and the fish represent abundance.
2 Pairs of Coconuts (椰子 2對)
Meaning: Having Children and Generations to Come
Coconuts symbolize the desire for the couple to have children and for their family to prosper through generations. They are not consumed immediately but are kept for a specific period.
Fresh Fruits Basket (過大禮生果 2籃)
Meaning: Well-Wishes and Good Fortune
The fresh fruits basket, containing peaches, grapes, apples, and other fruits, conveys well-wishes and good fortune to the newlyweds. Some fruits, like oranges and mangos, are avoided due to homophonic associations with pity and death in Cantonese.
8 Treasures of Dried Fruits and Seeds (八京果)
Meaning: Prosperity and Sweetness
These dried fruits and seeds, including dried lychee, dried longan, lily bulbs, lotus seeds, walnuts, peanuts, red beans and green beans, symbolize prosperity, sweetness, and the growth of their family.
4 Treasures of Candies (四色喜糖)
Meaning: Sweetness and Happiness
The four treasures of candies, such as rock sugar, dried longan, dried sliced melon and dried tangerine, represent the sweetness and happiness in the couple’s life.
Tea Leaves and Sesame Seeds (油麻茶禮)
Meaning: Faithfulness and Loyalty
The gift of tea leaves and sesame seeds, known as “油麻茶禮,” signifies the bride’s commitment to the marriage, emphasizing faithfulness and loyalty.
4 Bottles of Wines (洋酒 4枝)
Meaning: Celebration and Festivity
The four bottles of wine represent celebration and festivity, adding a touch of merriment to the ceremony.
2 Red Strings (紅頭繩)
Meaning: Auspicious Connection
The red strings are a symbol of auspicious connection between the bride and groom, binding them together in love and happiness.
2 Sets of Red Banners (紅彩兩套)
Meaning: Joyous Occasion
The red banners are used to adorn the wedding venue, signifying the joyous occasion of the Betrothal Ceremony.
Cypress Leaves (扁柏葉)
Meaning: Evergreen Love
Cypress leaves symbolize the evergreen nature of love and the enduring commitment of the couple.
Return of Gifts After Cantonese Betrothal Ceremony
In the Cantonese Chinese Wedding tradition, a portion of the gifts is returned to the groom’s family as a sign of gratitude. These gifts include
- Returning half of the gifts to groom’s family
- Returning a portion of betrothal money, usually lucky amount
- A pair of lotus
- A pair of pomegranates
- A pair of mandarin oranges
- A pair of taros
- A pair of gingers
- Cypress leaves
- Pomelo leaves
- Pants, suits, belt, wallet, shoes, socks
- Red Towels
- Chinese wedding steamed cakes
The Cantonese Chinese Wedding Betrothal Ceremony Gifts carry profound meanings, reflecting the values of love, respect, and prosperity.
These gifts not only enrich the ceremony but also symbolize the blessings and well-wishes for the newlyweds as they embark on their journey together.
The exchange of these meaningful gifts is a testament to the enduring traditions and cultural richness of Chinese weddings.
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