GLOSSARY
OF KEY TERMS
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The Color - Red |
| Today, many Chinese
Americans infuse both the beauty of their traditional culture with
modern Western traditions. In Chinese culture, the color red has a
deep and powerful meaning and is used throughout celebrations including
weddings. Red is the symbol of happiness and ultimate joy, thus all
Chinese weddings include the color red. Traditionally Chinese wedding
invitations and reception menus are a stunning red graced with black
or gold calligraphy. The guest book is always red and traditionally
made of silk with embroidered edges. Guests sign their witness to
this cloth with a black pen and the cloth is folded and stored as
a special memento of the wedding day. |
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Double Happiness - Shuang Xi |
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The
Chinese character for happiness, hsi or xi, which is pronounced
"she", is an important part of Chinese weddings and is
usually displayed somewhere at the wedding reception or banquet.
The Chinese character combines two individual characters to represent
double happiness. Double happiness or Shuang xi signifies good fortune
for the newlyweds and ensures a happy future.
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Qipao / Cheongsam |
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During the course of the banquet,
the bride will change her clothes. One specific gown she wears is
a "qipao" or "cheongsam", meaning
simply "banner gown" or "long dress". It is
one of the most typical and traditional costumes for the bride.
Cheongsam gowns are easily recognized for they are a very slim fitting
Chinese dress that have two side slits for walking. |
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Dragon and the Phoenix |
| Dragon and Phoenix designs
are also popular for wedding decorations as it symbolizes male and
female harmony and a balanced relationship. The motif is rooted in
mythology where the dragon symbolizes the Emperor and at his side
stands the magically powerful phoenix with her life-giving song. |
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Red envelope (hong bao / lai see) |
| There is an ancient
custom associated with the giving and receiving of money in new "hong
bao" or "lai see" envelopes, meaning "good
luck". They are also called Lucky Money envelopes and are given
for auspicious occasions like weddings. |