Teochew Betrothal Gifts For Traditional Chinese Wedding (Complete List)
During the wedding planning, one cannot overlook the intricate customs and rituals that give depth and meaning to the union of two souls.
Teochew Chinese weddings, with their profound traditions and elaborate ceremonies, stand as a testament to the rich tapestry of Chinese culture. Among the traditional customs of Teochew wedding, the Betrothal Ceremony Gift holds a special place.
Let’s embark on a journey through the significance and meaning of each gift, unveiling the traditions that make Teochew weddings unique.
Gift list for traditional Teochew betrothal ceremony
Traditional Straw Wedding Baskets (春盛)
- First Tier: Betrothal Money (聘金), 12 Folded Wedding Invitations (十二版帖), Si Dian Jin (四點金), Tangerines (大桔)
- Second and third Tier: Other gifts
Traditional straw baskets consist of 3 tiers, which are uniquely used in Teochew wedding. Betrothal money, 12 folded wedding invitations, si dian jin and tangerines will be placed in the top tier to indicate the significance and sincerity, while the other gifts will be placed in the second and third tier.
Pin Jin/ Betrothal Money (聘金)
Betrothal money, presented in a red packet, expresses gratitude to the bride’s parents for their care and upbringing. It’s a way of compensating for the “loss” of their daughter, as she traditionally wouldn’t return home often after marriage.
Diaper Money Red Packet (離乳禮金/ 洗尿布錢)
Diaper Money red envelope expresses the groom’s gratitude to the bride’s mother for raising her. It acknowledges the sacrifices and love of the bride’s mother in raising her.
Si Dian Jin (四點金)
Si Dian Jin comprises four pieces of gold jewelry, such as rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. These pieces symbolize wealth, blessings, and a prosperous future for the newlyweds.
Traditional Chinese Wedding Pastries (喜餅)
These pastries and cakes represent joy and are often shared with family and friends during the wedding celebration. They signify sweet beginnings for the couple.
2 Pairs of Chinese Wedding Dragon Phoenix Wax Candles (龍鳳燭)
The dragon and phoenix candles symbolize longevity and eternal love. They are lit during hair ceremony and must not be extinguished before burning completely. Candles burning off at the same time symbolizes forever happiness in marriage.
Pork Trotter or Roasted Suckling Pig (豬手/乳豬)
Pork trotter or roasted suckling pig symbolizes prosperity and to express gratitude to bride’s mother. Pork trotter represents the love and care given by parents when the bride was young.
3 Types of Meats – Chicken, Pork, Fish (三牲)
The three types of meats represent a wish for fertility and prosperity in the couple’s life together. These meats are traditionally presented in pairs.
Fresh Fruits (18 Apples, 18 Oranges and 18 Tangarines)
An abundance of fruits represent the wish for a harmonious and prosperous married life.
Sesame Candy and Peanut Candy
These are traditional Teochew candies and symbolize the sweetness and enduring happiness of the marriage.
8 Treasures of Dried Fruits and Seeds (八京果)
This collection includes dried lychee, dried longan, lily bulb, lotus seeds, walnuts, peanuts, red beans, and green beans. They symbolize a life filled with prosperity and the growth of future generations.
4 Treasures of Candies (四色喜糖)
These candies, including dried sliced melon, dried tangerine, dried longan, and rock sugar, represent the sweetness and harmony in the couple’s life.
Tea Leaves and Sesame Seeds (油麻茶禮)
The gift of tea leaves and sesame seeds signifies the bride’s commitment to her marriage vows and her fidelity.
4 Bottles of Wines (洋酒 4枝)
Wine symbolizes celebration and good fortune, bringing cheer to the wedding festivities.
2 Red Strings (紅頭繩)
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)
The red banners are used to adorn the wedding venue, signifying the joyous occasion of the Betrothal Ceremony.
Cypress Leaves (扁柏葉)
Cypress leaves symbolize the evergreen nature of love and the enduring commitment of the couple.
Chinese Steamed Cakes (發糕)
Chinese steamed cakes represent the hope for prosperity and harmonious marriage.
Lao Ma Gor/Granny’s Cake (老嫲糕/潮洲軟糕)
Lao Ma Gor is a traditional Teochew glutinous rice cake, symbolizes the warm respect for the elders and the continuation of traditions. If the bride’s grandparents are present, you may want to include this in the gift list.
12-Folded Wedding Invitation (十二版帖)
This type of invitation are unique in Teochew culture and is specially given to the bride’s parents, inviting them to join in the wedding celebration. It is 12 folded and is different from the invitations given to other guests, to show respect to bride’s parents.
Return of Gifts After Teochew Betrothal Ceremony
In the Teochew Chinese Wedding tradition, a portion of the gifts is returned to the groom’s family as a sign of gratitude. These gifts include
- Return half of the gifts to groom’s family
- Return a portion of the betrothal money usually lucky amount
- Pants, suits, belt, wallet, shoes, socks
- Towels
- Chinese steamed cakes
- Banana
- Ginger
- Leek
- Rock sugar
- Sugarcane red packet (甘蔗禮金)
- Leading route chicken red packet (帶路雞禮金)
- Parent-in-law red packet
These meticulously chosen gifts are not just items but a reflection of the couple’s values, hopes, and intentions as they embark on their journey together.
The Teochew Betrothal Ceremony Gift is a beautiful testament to the cultural richness and significance embedded in every aspect of a traditional Chinese wedding.
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