Chinese marriages became a custom during the Warring States Period (475-221BC). Due to the vastness and long history of Chinese marriage customs and ceremonies, different practices are observed in different places although they all generally adhere to similar guidelines. Today, visitors still have the opportunity to witness traditional Chinese marriages in the countryside.

In ancient times, it was very important to follow the basic principle of the "Three Letters and Six Etiquettes," which was considered essential to a marriage.

The "Three Letters" included the betrothal letter, gift letter and wedding letter. The betrothal letter was the formal document announcing the engagement -- a must for any Chinese marriage. Next, was the gift letter, which was presented to the bride's family. The letter would contain a list of the types and quantity of gifts designated for the wedding once both parties accepted the marriage. Finally, the wedding letter was prepared and presented to the bride's family on the day of the wedding; it served as a document confirming and commemorating a formal acceptance of the bride into the bridegroom's family.

 Six etiquettes

Proposal: When an unmarried boy's parents identified a girl as their future daughter-in-law, they would then locate a matchmaker, whose specialty was proposals. The matchmaker would formally present his or her client's request to the chosen girl's parents.

Birth date assessment: If the potential bride's parents did not object to the marriage, the matchmaker would then ask for the girl's birth date and hour of birth to assure the couple's compatibility. If the couple's birthdays and birth hours were not opposed, the marriage would progress to the next level. If there was any sign of an astrological conflict - which meant that the marriage would bring disaster on both families -- the proposed marriage was immediately abandoned.

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