Then the bridegroom sets out to receive his bride. Usually a crowd of friends escort the bridegroom, while musicians play joyful tunes during the entire trip. Lion-dance, if any, precede the troop. In ancient times, a bridal sedan chair (or a decorated donkey, depending on finances and traffic conditions) would be used to transport the bride. A child carries a bridal box among the crowd, reflecting the bridegroom's expectations for a child in the near future.

The most interesting part of the reception takes place at the doorstep of the bride's residence, which is heavily guarded by the bridesmaids or the bride's sisters. It is customary for the bridesmaids to give the groom a hard time before he is allowed to enter the residence. The groom must rely on his own wisdom, courage and his friends to succeed in this "trial". He also must negotiate the distribution of the red packets containing money with the bridesmaids and sisters so he can take his bride home.

Before the bride departs to the groom's home, the "good luck woman" will lead her to the sedan chair. On her way to the chair, one of her sisters will shield her with a red parasol, while another sister will throw rice at the sedan chair. Hanging at the rear of the sedan are a sieve and metallic mirror to protect the bride from evil. The bride must cry to show that she does not want to leave her parents, emphasizing her filial piety.

Firecrackers are set off to ward off evil spirits as the bride steps into the sedan chair. Along the route, people make great efforts to avoid bad influences. For instance, the sedan chair is heavily curtained to prevent the bride from seeing something "unlucky" (ie, a widow, a well or a cat). When the parading troop arrives at the groom's house, firecrackers will again be set off to hail the bride's arrival. A red mat is placed before the sedan chair so the bride will not touch the bare earth. By the threshold, a flaming stove and saddle will be set up for the bride to step over to avoid evil.

The wedding ceremony is the focus of interest. The bride and groom are led to the family altar, where the couple kowtows to Heaven and Earth, the family ancestors, and parents successively. They then bow to each other and are led to the bridal chamber. The ceremony proceeds with prompts from a director and audience applause.

Afterwards, a grand feast is held for relatives and those who helped with the wedding. The newly wed couple will resume drinking the wedding wine. Generally, they are required to cross their arms to sip wine, and they must also toast their guests. Guests present good wishes to the couple as the husband attempts to be humble while acting embarrassed.

Page:

1

2

3

4