Chinese couples revive traditional wedding practices

oke efagene

February 23, 2015 11:27 AM

According to CCTV America, a company in Shanghai has become one of the first in the country to provide traditional themed-weddings services.

In these modern times where couples are walking down the aisle in designer gowns and tuxedo, some couples in China are revisiting old wedding traditions.

A growing number of newlyweds are embracing the traditional practices of past dynasties in tying the knot.

According to CCTV America, a company in Shanghai has become one of the first in the country to provide traditional themed-weddings services.

Since the 2015 Spring Festival, business has been booming. Although, in traditional weddings, there's no exchange of rings and "I dos" but it is still the same expression of love and committment.

"The white gowns, black tuxedos, the champagne, the western weddings have become kind of a cliche. In China, different dynasties have their own set of rituals for wedding ceremonies," Wedding Planner, Hu Jianh said.

"For example the weddings in are rooted in Confucism and are usually very solemn and noble. And there are also wedding ceremonies that feature a lot of interesting folk practices, usually among the general public. You can have either one style or a blend of the two, based on what you want for your big day."

The nuptial rituals vary slightly but usually include the couples paying homage to Heaven and Earth, to the family ancestors and to each other.

In traditional Chinese wedding, the colour red is central to the traditional Chinese wedding, which is considered as a symbol of prosperity with red lanterns, red bridal veil and most importantly, the red wedding dress.

For most couples, the moment of truth comes when the bride finds her destined dress. That choice usually sets the tone for the theme of the wedding, one dress for one particular period of history.

"Western cultures do honour their wedding traditions and stay true to them, so I think we should also take pride in our own traditions," says bride-to-be, Yang Qingqing

"Plus the wardrobe is filled with some very elaborate and elegant designs. Simply marvelous."

The wedding attire usually features depictions of the dragon and the phoenix, symbolizing husband and wife.

For couples who choose to go retro, this is their way of being distinctive and also honouring the ancient traditions.

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