Chinese and Western Cultural Customs
Comparative Study of Weddings
Research Topic
Comparative Study of Chinese and Western Cultural Customs----Wedding< /p>
THE COMPARISON AND STUDY OF THE CHINESE AND WESTERN CULTURAL CUSTOMS——NUPTIAL
Research background
With China’s accession to the WTO, exchanges between China and the West have become increasingly close. In order to better To better understand and learn Western customs and culture, strengthen the study of Chinese and Western history, and achieve the purpose of broadening students' horizons. We raised this topic.
Research purpose
Through the study of Chinese and Western customs and cultures, we can have a more comprehensive understanding of Western history, learn their advantages, and achieve the purpose of making up for their weaknesses. At the same time, through subject research, we can also cultivate our social practice ability and lay the foundation for us to work in the future.
Division of labor
Wedding clothing: Zhang Qinmei, Shen Qian Wedding customs: Bao Jun, Chen Jingjuan
Wedding catering: Ren Ying, Yaojuan Courseware production: Xiao Min, Zhao Xiping
Instructor
Wu Weigang
Research process
Study 1: Western weddings are romantic. The entire wedding from beginning to end The ending is full of romance. The bride's dress is usually white, and the groom's dress is black, making the whole wedding appear solemn and solemn. Going to the church to hold the wedding ceremony is the most important part of the entire wedding. First, to the rhythm of the wedding march, the bride holds her father's arms The bride walks to the groom, and her father hands her over to the groom. The pastor will ask the bride and groom to make a lifelong commitment to each other, which is also the climax of the entire wedding. Then they will exchange and get married with the blessings of the pastor and everyone. ring and kiss each other. The bouquet in the bride's hand is not an ordinary decorative item. At the end of the wedding, the bride will throw it to the female guests present. Whoever catches the bouquet will be the next person to get married, which makes the whole wedding cheer. It ended with a smile.
Study 2: Chinese weddings are different from Western ones. The main color of the entire wedding is red, which is also the traditional Chinese color that represents happiness. This makes the wedding joyful. In traditional weddings, the bride usually wears a red gown, a phoenix crown, and a red silk scarf. The groom wears a red gown, mandarin jacket, and a red large-brimmed hat. The bride rides behind in a big red sedan chair, and the groom rides in front. Along with the matchmaker and the wedding team, they go to the groom's home to worship. The parents of both parties sit in the upper hall, while the bride and groom get married in the lower hall. The entire wedding is presided over by the emcee, under his command. , the bride and groom bowed to heaven and earth, bowed down to the high hall, and then the couple bowed to each other and were sent into the bridal chamber. The bridal chamber was the climax of the wedding. The bride went back to the bridal chamber to wait for the groom, while the groom entertained guests outside. After they were full of wine and food, the groom was surrounded by a lot of people. People came down to the bridal chamber surrounded by people. Everyone started to make noise in the bridal chamber. The bride and groom played various games under everyone's cheers... In this way, the whole wedding ended in laughter.
By studying the differences between Chinese and Western weddings, I learned about their respective characteristics: Western weddings are pure and romantic, while Chinese weddings are joyful; Western weddings value feeling, while Chinese value It's the ritual. Due to their different customs and habits, China and the West have formed wedding customs with their own characteristics. Although there are different customs, weddings no matter where they are are full of blessings and laughter.
English summary
As China has been a member of the international group WTO, the connection between China and the western world becomes closer and closer. In order to get a better understanding of each other, we set the research topic, -to learn the custom and culture of the western world.
Through the research and study of the comparison of the different customs and culture between China and the western world, we can know more about the western history and learn the advantage of theirs. By studying this, we can be more couple of dealing with problems and difficulties as well.
Student Paper
Chinese and Western Customs Cultural Comparative Research - Wedding
—Project Summary Report
Xiao Min
With China's accession to the WTO, exchanges between China and the West have become increasingly close. In order to better Understand and study Western customs and culture, strengthen the study of Chinese and Western history, and achieve the purpose of broadening students' horizons. We raised this topic.
Through the study of Chinese and Western customs and cultures, we can have a more comprehensive understanding of Western history, learn their advantages, and achieve the purpose of making up for their weaknesses. At the same time, through subject research, we can also cultivate our social practice ability and lay the foundation for us to work in the future.
Our topic focuses on weddings. We compare and study the similarities and differences between Chinese and Western weddings to reflect the differences between different ethnic groups in China and the West.
First of all, it is the traditional wedding ceremony. The traditional Chinese wedding customs include "Three Letters and Six Rituals" and "Three Bows and Nine Kowtows". The so-called "three letters" refer to the letter of appointment, the letter of gift, and the letter of welcome. (Book of Engagement: a book of engagement, where both men and women formally sign a marriage contract. Used when Naji (passing a wedding). Book of Rites: a book of gifts, that is, a list of gifts, detailing the types and quantities of gifts. When accepting a gift (passing a big gift) Used. Welcoming book: a book for welcoming the bride. The "six etiquette" refers to accepting the bride, asking for her name, accepting the invitation, asking for the date, and welcoming the bride personally. (Nacai: At the beginning of the ancient wedding, when the woman was interested in, a matchmaker was invited to make a plan, which was called nacai. Now it is called "proposing marriage". Asking for the name: The man inquired about the woman's name and birthday to predict a good omen, which is called asking for the name. , now called "Hebazi". Naji: If the name is a good omen, send a matchmaker to give a small gift, which is called Naji. Today it is called "Guowen Ding" or "Xiao Ding". Nazheng: Send gifts of money, gift cakes, etc. Gifts and sacrifices, etc., are formally sent as betrothal gifts, which is called the "gratification gift" today. "Personal Welcoming: The groom takes a ceremonial car and goes to the bride's home to meet the bride, which is called a personal greeting.) During this period, there are a series of activities such as changing the wedding ceremony, giving wedding ceremonies, and setting up the bride's bed. There are a lot of taboos and etiquette in these activities. For example, the bride’s trousseau must include scissors (butterflies flying together), spittoons (buckets for descendants), rulers (fertile fields), pieces of sugar (sweet), and silver wallets and belts (rich wealth). , vase (flowers blooming for wealth), copper basin and shoes (we grow old together), dragon and phoenix quilt, a pair of sheets and pillows, two pairs of chopsticks and bowls tied with red strings (with food and clothing), seventy-two sets of clothes, Use Hinoki cypress, lotus seeds, longan and red chips to accompany it (abundant food and clothing), etc. Each item has its own different meaning. At the same time, there is also a certain order during the wedding. Generally speaking, the entire wedding process includes: ancestor worship (the man worships his ancestors before going out to marry the bride), departure (an even number of convoys is preferred. ), setting off firecrackers (the wedding car is on its way, so firecrackers should be set off along the way to celebrate.), waiting for the groom (when the car arrives at the bride’s house, there will be a boy waiting for the groom holding a tea tray. After the groom gets off the car, he should be rewarded with a boy Red envelope gift, and then enter the bride's house), please (the groom should hold a bouquet to the bride in the room. At this time, the bride's close friends should stop the groom and not allow him to see the bride. The bride can make demands. The groom agrees and can only enter after passing through.), farewell (the newlyweds offer incense to worship their ancestors, the bride should bow to her parents to say goodbye, and the father should cover her with a veil, while the groom only bows and salutes.), and go out (the bride should be greeted by Fugao). Deshao female elders hold bamboo sieves or black umbrellas to protect her as she walks to the ceremonial car. Because the bride has a greater status than anyone else on the wedding day, she cannot compete with the sky.
), ceremonial car (after the bride gets into the ceremonial car and soon after the car starts, the bride’s parents should scatter a bowl of water and white rice behind the car, which means that the daughter has thrown out the water and will never have to worry about anything in the future, and wish her the best. The daughter is successful in everything, has food and clothing.), throwing the fan (after the ceremonial car starts, the bride should throw the fan out of the window, which means that she will not bring her bad temper to her husband's house. The fan will be picked up by the bride's brother. Throwing the fan Afterwards, you must cry a few times and build a "bamboo sieve" behind the ceremonial car to symbolize prosperity), fire cannons (the salute must also be set off on the way from the bride's house to the groom's house.), and touch oranges (the welcoming motorcade arrives at the groom's house). At this time, a child holding an orange or an apple will greet the newlyweds. The bride will touch the oranges lightly and give red envelopes as a gift. The two oranges will be left in the evening for the bride to peel, which means to bring "longevity". , Lead the bride (when the bride walks out of the ceremonial car, a blessed elder from the groom’s side should hold a bamboo sieve on the bride’s head and help the bride enter the hall. When entering the door, the newlyweds must not step on the threshold, but should cross it. ), wedding banquets (combined Chinese and Western weddings are quite popular these days. Most guests are entertained in the evening and a viewing ceremony is held at the same time. At the wedding banquet, the bride can take off her bridal dress and put on an evening dress to toast to each table one by one.), see off guests ( After the wedding banquet, the newlyweds stand at the door of their home to see off the guests, carrying tea trays containing cigarettes and wedding candies. Not loyal enough, etc.), Returning home after three dynasties (on the third day after the wedding, the bride, accompanied by her husband, brings roasted pigs and gifts to her parents' home to worship her ancestors, and even stays for a while, and then goes home with her husband.). This shows the complexity of our culture, but don’t think that complexity is a unique feature of our country’s weddings. In fact, although different countries have different wedding customs, the respect and expectations for marriage can be seen from the complicated details and the metaphors of the supplies. No national boundaries. In Western countries, there are customs such as Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, and Something Blue during weddings. Old refers to the wedding dress, headdress or jewelry passed down from the mother, which represents inheriting all the good things; new refers to the gifts such as skirts and accessories given by friends, which symbolizes a new life; borrowed means that you can borrow something from anyone, and it is said that it comes from wealth. Relatives and friends borrow gold or silver to put in the shoes, which symbolizes bringing wealth; blue refers to the color of some small accessories or bouquets of the bride, which symbolizes the purity and chastity of the bride. When it comes to weddings, there are also a lot of customs in the West. For example, the bride always wears a handkerchief when she gets married. Westerners believe that the white handkerchief symbolizes good luck. According to folklore, farmers believe that the tears shed by the bride on her wedding day will cause nectar to fall from the sky and nourish their crops. Later, when the bride sheds tears on her wedding day, it becomes a good sign that she will have a happy marriage. During the wedding ceremony, the bride always stands on the left side of the groom. It is said that in ancient times, the Anglo-Saxon groom had to protect the bride from being snatched away by others. During the wedding ceremony, the groom asks the bride to stand on his left side. Once a love rival appears, he can immediately wave the sword on his right side to scare away the enemy. During the wedding dinner, a specially customized wedding cake is required. According to historical records, since Roman times, at the end of the wedding, people will break a loaf of bread on the bride's head - wheat symbolizes fertility, and bread crumbs represent Lucky. The couple must frost the cake to form today's wedding cake. It can be seen that Western marriage customs are not simpler than Chinese ones.
The second is in terms of clothing. There are not only rituals and customs that need to be observed during a wedding, but also the dress. During a traditional Chinese wedding, the groom and the bride wear red dresses, which symbolizes good luck and good luck and indicates a prosperous life after the wedding. Western brides wear white dresses. Since Roman times, white has symbolized celebration. Between 1850 and 1900, white was also a symbol of wealth. By the beginning of this century, white represented purity beyond anything else. In the West, white is associated with virginity. The bride in ancient Rome wore a white wedding dress and a bright orange veil, symbolizing the flame of passion. In the Western Catholic tradition, white represents happiness; in other areas, white indicates various passage ceremonies and meanings in their weddings and funerals. For example, among the Andaman Islanders, white represents a change in status. The "traditional" white wedding dress was the prerogative of the nobility in the early days. In the era of Queen Doria, most brides could only wear traditional national costumes, and only the upper class could wear white wedding dresses, which represented power and status. It was not until modern times that the white wedding dress became the dress for ordinary brides after the privileges of the aristocratic class disappeared. Compared with the history of white wedding dresses in the West, the history of the bright red phoenix robe in Chinese weddings is relatively simple. Dragons and phoenixes play an important role in Chinese mythology. Dragon governs Yang and Phoenix governs Yin, while Yang represents men and Yin represents women. Therefore, the bride is represented by phoenix. So it is easy to understand that there is a phoenix embroidered on the red dress.
There are also similarities between Chinese and Western wedding customs in some small habits. For example, in ancient China, there was the custom of throwing hydrangeas to welcome the bride; while in the West, after the wedding ceremony in the church, the bride and groom would throw the flowers in their hands into the air. If someone catches them, it indicates that they will get married soon.
There are all the above differences in marriage customs between China and the West, which are directly related to the differences in thinking between Chinese and Westerners.
Chinese people are relatively conservative, like to be lively, and have old-fashioned thinking, so the entire wedding customs have not changed much during the thousands of years of Chinese history. It was not until the introduction of Western culture in modern times that China's traditional culture began to transform into the West, but to a large extent, traditional Chinese wedding customs and etiquette remained. The lively character of Chinese people can be fully reflected in traditional Chinese weddings. In addition to the wedding dinners that are common in both China and the West, in traditional Chinese wedding customs, there is also a wedding luncheon for the bride. Secondly, after the wedding banquet, the couple's relatives and friends will go to the new house to have the wedding ceremony. It is believed that the more lively the new house is, the happier the couple will be in their married life. Therefore, the members who are trying to make trouble for the bride and groom go to great lengths and use various methods to make things difficult for the bride and groom. Westerners are more open-minded and have lower requirements for weddings. The climax of their weddings is in the church: as the sacred "Wedding March" steps into the bright red carpet, the beautiful bride holds her father's hand and holds roses slowly. Walking slowly towards the groom, the bride's father puts his daughter's hand on the groom's hand and entrusts his daughter's life to you. Everyone's eyes are watching the newlyweds, and happiness is overflowing on their faces. She is the most beautiful bride today. Over the sacred church, their vows echoed, and they wore their eternal wedding rings. Only when the priest said: "You can kiss your bride... Marriage is a lifelong covenant, and you have to stick to it for the rest of your life." Vow. The Lord Jesus said: Those whom God joins together cannot be separated. The love of this life is perfect because of today. "Then the bride and groom went to the dinner party or honeymoon, without all the etiquette of traditional Chinese wedding customs. Another reason for the differences between China and the West is the different religions between China and the West. China is dominated by Buddhism, while the West is dominated by Christianity. Therefore, Western weddings are held in churches and the officiant is a priest. The most important part of traditional Chinese wedding customs is to worship heaven and earth. After worshiping heaven and earth, the ceremony is completed.
To sum up, the differences between Chinese and Western weddings mainly come from the different cultural and historical backgrounds between China and the West. It evolved slowly under the influence of different ideas and customs. At the same time, under the influence of religion and mythology, various small customs and habits gradually formed during the wedding process.
Perception and experience
Aspects of the differences between Chinese and Western cultural customs
Xiao Min
China is one of the four ancient countries with a long and splendid history civilization, throughout China’s five thousand years of history. Since Emperor Yan and Huang destroyed the Dragon Clan and established the Huaxia Clan, the descendants of the Dragon have nurtured an outstanding culture on the land of China.
First of all, in terms of clothing, the Yin and Shang Dynasties, Qin and Han Dynasties, Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties, Tang, Song, Ming and Qing Dynasties all have their own unique clothing characteristics. According to their functions, they are divided into court clothes, mian clothes, silkworm clothes, temple clothes, formal clothes, etc.
Secondly, in terms of food, Chinese cuisine has a long history and has become China’s national quintessence, spreading around the world. Chinese food is enjoying benefits all over the world. Baozi, dumplings and noodles have become symbols of Chinese food and are welcomed all over the world.
Then in terms of customs, ancient China had complicated customs. A wedding alone has various regulations such as three books and six etiquettes, including farewell, going out, and throwing fans... Various customs reflect the long history of Chinese culture and have gradually evolved over a long period of life.
Western European and American countries also have a long history. Influenced by the specific Western environment, cultures with unique characteristics from China were born.
First of all, in terms of clothing, Western clothing is more complex, more gorgeous, and brighter in color than Chinese clothing. Compared with Chinese clothing, it reflects the passion and advanced thinking of Westerners than the Chinese at the same time, while the Chinese reflect the traditions of the East: simplicity, conservatism, and introversion.
Secondly, in terms of diet, Westerners mainly eat wheat, bread, milk and various meats. Orientals, on the other hand, mainly eat rice and have a vegetarian diet. These differences originate from the geographical and demographic differences between the East and the West. Westerners use coffee as a beverage, which is different from Chinese tea. Coffee has a richer and stronger taste, which is in line with the personality characteristics of Westerners
Finally In terms of customs, Chinese people like red in weddings, which represents joy and luck. Westerners prefer white to bring out true love. Compared with Westerners, it reflects the conservatism of Chinese people.
Through various comparisons and a rough list and comparison of the differences between Chinese and Western cultural customs, it can be concluded that the cultural differences between Chinese and Western people come from the different personality characteristics of Chinese and Western people.
After this research and practice, we have increased our knowledge, broadened our horizons, increased our experience accumulation, cultivated our abilities, and have a positive influence on our growth. Great benefit.
Reflections on studying Chinese and Western cultural customs (wedding attire)
Shen Qian
Chinese and Western cultural customs are completely different in various aspects. Of course, there are also similarities or differences. A similar side. After studying and researching this semester, I discovered many differences between Chinese and Western cultural customs regarding wedding ceremonies.
Now let me give some examples:
For example, France, which is famous for its romance, is called white marriage. White is the color of romantic French weddings; The guests will take turns dancing with the groom and pinning money to their clothes. Sometimes relatives and friends of both parties will compete to see who gets more money.
Korean wedding attire is also quite unique, worth mentioning - "two points". The Korean bride and groom will wear a large dress, and the bride's wedding dress is a colorful silk woven dress with long sleeves and a black silk crown. , I think this is quite similar to Arab wedding attire, because Arab brides will wear gorgeous Turkish long-sleeved robes, but the difference is that the lady attending the wedding will cry for the bride according to custom, so Arab weddings are also called For "lamentation," which of course has nothing to do with the costumes I'm talking about.
Clothing is a status emblem and a symbol. It represents an individual's political status and social status, so that everyone has their own duties and cannot be replaced. Therefore, since ancient times, the king has been the head of the government, and clothing is a very important item. Once the clothing system is completed, part of the political order is also completed. So people classify clothing into men's clothing decoration and women's clothing decoration. This is of course the minimum. The so-called Mianfu is a type of men's clothing, and it is the most solemn ceremonial dress. It is worn by all officials from the emperor to all officials. This is similar to the taboo in our women's clothing. The second-class dress after the Mian dress is the court dress...
Clothing is a product of the times, and clothing is updated with the development of the trend. Clothing in Chinese and Western cultures is a topic that is always worthy of study.
Reflections on studying Chinese and Western cultural customs (wedding customs)
Bao Jun
Chinese cultural customs have a long history. After this period of study combined with Western cultural customs, I learned more about the cultural customs of various countries around the world and learned more about the world. I also got a lot of fun out of it. Since it is a wedding custom, everyone has their own fun.
When it comes to traditional Chinese weddings, people will think of some complicated etiquette such as "three bows and nine knocks", but what about foreign wedding customs? People don't have much impression other than wedding dresses, churches, and priests. However, due to ethnic and cultural differences, wedding customs in various places are very different. However, it is these gorgeous and colorful wedding customs that constitute a beautiful landscape in human society.
In traditional Chinese wedding customs, there are 15 steps in the entire wedding process. First, the man has to worship his ancestors, and then sets off to get married, setting off firecrackers along the way to celebrate. The woman also has a lot of rules when she gets married. It looked like they were going to be busy all day.
In traditional Chinese wedding customs, there is also a unique "three dynasties return home", that is, three days after the wedding, the bride, accompanied by her husband, returns to her natal home with roasted pigs and gifts, to worship her ancestors, and even Stay for a while and then go home with your husband.
They also have their own characteristics in the West. For example, Greece puts sugar in the gloves. Greek brides put some sugar in the gloves, which means bringing sweetness into the wedding life. Greeks like to put sugar in their gloves. Dance traditional Chinese dance to entertain guests. During the wedding, one of the procedures is for the choir leader to instruct the groom to protect his wife, and the bride will pat the groom's soles to show respect. The newlyweds will wrap icing in tulle Almonds are then distributed to guests to symbolize abundance and happiness.
It seems that cultural customs are really long-standing.
Impressions from studying Chinese and Western cultural customs (wedding customs)< /p>
Chen Jingjuan
Cultural customs have a long history. Studying Chinese and Western cultural customs is of great significance. Through the research and study last semester, I realized that there are completely different differences between Chinese and Western cultures.
Through online searches, book collections and expert interviews, we have obtained a lot of information about Chinese and Western cultural customs. Especially in the research on wedding customs, we have a deeper understanding.
Chinese wedding customs still maintain the traditional style. Weddings pay attention to pomp and ceremony, and the series of etiquette before marriage is even more dazzling: three books and six etiquettes, exchange of Gengpu genealogy, wedding ceremony, wedding ceremony, bed setting, dowry, wedding ceremony, welcoming the bride... People in some places are not familiar with this custom. It is very important that if you want to get married, there must be no missing procedures before getting married. Fifty-six ethnic groups and fifty-six customs all have different ways of treating the same etiquette. Such as proposal, wedding ceremony...
Western wedding customs are romantic. Weddings focus on etiquette and not on ostentation. Pre-wedding etiquette isn’t that complicated either. Everything is done in a relaxed atmosphere. And getting married in Western countries is also a unique way for each country. For example: French white is the main color of the wedding. Whether it’s the flowers for the arrangement or the bride’s attire. It can be seen that marriage in the eyes of the French should be pure and innocent, and the cup used by the couple also has a specific name, called "Coupdemarriage", which means "wedding cup". The "madness" of the Germans is different from the reason and calmness that the Germans have always respected. Their wedding showed more of a crazy side. Germans will hold a party (party) at a wedding, and during the party, the newlyweds will be teased. This is similar to our Chinese "bridal chamber", in which the highlight is to happily throw the dishes to pieces... The most highlight that the West brings to the Orientals is probably the church wedding. With the sacred "Wedding March", step into the bright red On the carpet, the beautiful bride is slowly walking towards you, holding her father's arm and holding roses. The father of the bride puts his daughter's hand on yours, entrusts his daughter's life to you, and wears the eternal wedding ring... This scene is very different from the Chinese "three kneels and six knocks".
Cultural customs are an eternal theme, and weddings are the essence of the theme.
This study of Chinese and Western wedding customs has broadened my horizons.
Experience Chinese and Western customs
Zhu Wei
China has a long history. Take weddings as an example, they have been around for about 2000 years!
There are many types of wedding ceremonies. Before a man goes out to marry his bride, he must first worship his ancestors. It is better to have an even number of wedding convoys when setting off. On the way, firecrackers should be set off on the roadside to celebrate.
When the ceremonial car arrives at the bride's house, a boy will be waiting for the groom with a tea tray. After the groom gets off the car, he will be rewarded with a red envelope as a gift. Before entering the bride's house, the groom should hold a bouquet of flowers to the bride in the house. At this time, the bride's close friends want to stop the groom and not allow him to see the bride. They may put forward conditions that require the groom to agree before he can enter, and then they have to leave. Going out, ceremonial car, throwing fans, setting off cannons, and touching luzi (when the welcoming motorcade arrives at the groom’s house, a child holding an orange or apple will greet the newlyweds. The bride should touch the orange lightly and give a red envelope as a gift. These two gifts Oranges should be placed in the evening and let the bride peel them herself, which means to attract "longevity").
In addition to the above, there are also three letters and six etiquette: letter of appointment, letter of gift, letter of welcome, acceptance, asking for a favor, acceptance, request for date, and personal greeting.
There are many etiquettes at weddings, such as eating bananas, lighting matches, playing marbles, poetry competitions, couple literacy, etc.
Through this research, I discovered that Chinese etiquette is too complicated, and I can also discover how long Chinese culture is.
Studying Chinese and Western cultural customs
Zhao Liping
China has a history of more than 5,000 years, and thus has formed its own unique cultural customs, while the West is rapidly developing While developing, it also formed a culture with its own characteristics. With the increasing exchanges between China and the West, the differences between Chinese and Western customs have become increasingly obvious.
Studying the differences between Chinese and Western customs is the purpose of our research. The focus of our research is weddings. Weddings are of great significance to both China and the West, so they are particularly grand. Chinese weddings are relatively complicated in comparison. First, after the marriage contract is confirmed, the groom's family chooses an auspicious day to hold the wedding. The man should give clothes, jewelry, wine, etc. This is a small gift, and there were big gifts before. Traditional wedding customs include three books and six rites, changing the Geng genealogy book, having a grand ceremony, setting up the bed, dowry, giving the wedding ceremony, and welcoming the bride... This completes a wedding, but in the West, it is much simpler. The man and woman first get engaged, decorate the new house, prepare for the wedding, and then enter the church.
When it comes to Chinese weddings, the first thing that people think of should be the joyful bride, with red everywhere, wearing a phoenix crown, shawl, and a red scarf sitting in a sedan chair and riding a horse. bridegroom. Western weddings are more romantic. White wedding dress, crisp suit, white balloons and solemn promises.
These all reflect the differences between China and the West, the joy of China, the romance of the West... Through research on these, we have changed from perceptual to rational about Chinese and Western weddings, and we have a lot of our own feelings about this. We also have a relatively three-dimensional understanding of Chinese and Western customs. This also achieved the purpose of this study.
Chinese and Western Views on Marriage
Yao Juanjuan
The "Three Books and Six Rituals" are traditional Chinese weddings. The six rites are the six etiquette rituals performed when marrying a wife. The three books are the documents that should be possessed when practicing the six rites. They are also written records to ensure the validity of the marriage.
The purpose of traditional Chinese marriage is mainly to expand the family and multiply descendants, and at the same time to maintain and improve the family's reputation and status. Since marriage will add a woman with a foreign surname as a member of the family, the husband's family is particularly strict in choosing a daughter-in-law to avoid dishonoring the family reputation. Therefore, it is far more important for a family to have a wife than for an individual to have a wife. Marriage is regarded as an important matter of the family rather than a private matter of an individual. The love between men and women cannot be the primary basis for marriage. Marriage must be decided by the parents, publicly matched by a third party, and implemented through the rituals and procedures of betrothal. This is the definition of the so-called "parents' orders", "marrying with a clear matchmaker" and "well-matched". In addition, in early society, in addition to "marriage through a matchmaker", there were also methods of marriage such as concubinage, bride-in-law and child bride. In theory, concubinage requires the consent of the main wife before a man can have a second wife, but in fact the woman has no right to choose:
Westerners have a very open attitude towards marriage. Generally speaking, it is not the ultimate way out for love. People often use "living together" as a way to test whether the other person can really be a permanent partner. Moreover, marriage is not decided by parents. Men and women become husband and wife through love. Blind marriage and mute marriage are extremely rare.
The purpose of marriage between men and women is also different. The purpose of traditional Chinese marriage is mainly to expand the family and produce descendants, and to maintain and improve the family's reputation and status. However, when Westerners get married, they mostly hope that their love will have a happy ending. Their wedding, instead of using traditional Chinese ceremonies, was held in a church. It is more romantic and less restrictive than the traditional Chinese wedding.
Oh! It turns out that I am quite knowledgeable, but I didn’t know that Chinese and Western customs also have such confusion.
Different histories, different societies, and different cultural backgrounds create different customs. World culture is profound, mysterious, and colorful. As the times develop, so will culture. Only by constantly studying can we understand China. Catch up with the world's trends and be at the forefront of the times.
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