Chinese pre-wedding customs

Hey kiddo, do you know what a wedding is? It's when two grown-ups who are really in love with each other decide to get married and live together forever. But before the big wedding day, there are some special things that people from different cultures like to do to prepare for the wedding. In China, they have some pre-wedding customs that are really interesting!

One of the traditions is called "nao dongfang," which means "wedding escort." This is when the groom sends some of his male relatives and friends to the bride's house to pick her up and bring her to his home. The groom also sends some gifts to the bride's family as a way of saying thank you for letting him marry their daughter.

Another custom is called "guo da li," which means "passing the groom's test." This is when the groom and his family give gifts to the bride's family as a sign of respect and to show that they can take care of the bride. The bride's family will then return some gifts to the groom's family, and this exchange can go back and forth several times until they are satisfied.

One thing that's really cool about Chinese pre-wedding customs is the dress the bride wears. It's called a "qipao," which is a long, sleek dress with a high collar and tight fit. The dress is usually red, which is a lucky color in Chinese culture, and it's decorated with symbols of happiness and good luck. Sometimes, the bride will even wear a traditional Chinese veil and carry a red umbrella!

Lastly, before the wedding, the bride and groom will have a special photoshoot. They'll dress up in fancy clothes and take pictures in different poses and settings. This is a way of celebrating their love and capturing memories to cherish forever.

So, that's a little bit about Chinese pre-wedding customs. It's all about showing respect, exchanging gifts, and celebrating love in a special way!