There are many differences between Chinese culture and Western culture. Wedding,of course,is one of them.Despite it′s a Chinese wedding or Western wedding,it would always be a happy and important occasion.
Today we would like to talk about
the differences and similarities between
a Chinese wedding and a Western wedding.
Atmosphere
The main color of a Western wedding is white.
In the wedding venue, almost all the decorations are white,the color which stands for purity in Western culture.Therefore, the whole place feels sacred, solemn,romantic and fairy-tale-like.
The wedding clothes are suits and wedding dresses.The groom wears a black or white swallow-tailed coat,suit pants,leather shoes and a tie,while the bride wears a white wedding dress with a long train falling on the floor.
The main color of a Chinese wedding is red.
Compared to those about a Western wedding,Chinese wedding clothes are more diverse,such as Tang suits,Hanfu and cheongsam.Boththe groom′s and bride′s clothes，are embroidered with dragons or phoenixes,which symbolize auspiciousness in Chinese culture.And the clothes are also red so as to makethe wedding feel lively and joyful.
In China, there′s a saying ---- red event and white events.A red event means a wedding,while a white one means a funeral,in which the main color is white.However,in Western culture,white is used in a totally opposite occasion,wedding! Interesting, right?
Ceremony
A Western wedding usually takes place at a church. And the whole ceremony is simple and solemn.
When the ceremony begins, first, the groom walks into the venue, escorted by his parents then the page boys would carry the wedding ring and marriage license enter the church.Then the bride shows up and walking along with the aisle, while the flower girls scattering flower petals around.
The bride′s father walk her down the aisle and put her hands on the groom′s,who′s been waiting at the altar.Next are rings exchange,marriage vows,speeches by the couple and their parents.Then the ceremony is over.
After that, the celebrations shift to a wedding reception or wedding party.
If there is dancing,the newly married couple are expected to be the first people to begin dancing. If it′s a party, it′ll be very casual and free.
And whether it′s a party or reception,there will always be a wedding cake and champagne.At last,he bride throws a bouquet to the guests,as a gesture to deliver happiness.
Comparatively, a traditional Chinese wedding is much more complicated, with many rules and taboos：
For example,on the wedding day,before the couple go to bed, no one is allowed to touch the couple′s new bed,especially the bride herself.
The bride′s wedding dress shouldn′t have any pockets,for it′s said that the pockets will take away her family′s luck of fortune.
It′s believed by ancient Chinese people that the largest number of ghosts haunt in lunar March and July,so one′d better not get married in these two months.
To these days,the Chinese wedding has become simpler.However,some parts of the ceremony still stay the same as the ancient time.For example,in the ceremony,the couple must bow,first to the Heaven and Earth,then to ancestors and parents,and finally to each other.And they must serve tea to their parents.
Besides,firecrackers would be set off during the ceremony to liven up the atmosphere,as well as to drive away the evils.
Another indispensable part of the ceremony is the “bridal chamber prank”.In this part,the participants of the wedding can tease the bride and groom and they cannot get angry.It′s believed that the more lively the bridal chamber gets,the more luck the couple will have.
Ideas
Westerners believe that marriage is totally a private affair that shouldn′t be involved by anyone else. Marriage has nothing to do with so-called ethics, therefore,everyone has the freedom to marry or divorce.They care more about each othe′s emotion,and put little emphasis on economic considerations.
However, in China, it′s believed that only when two people come from two families that have similar social and economic status, should they get married. Marriage is not just the union of husband and wife, but also the union of two families. If a couple′s marriage is not accepted by their parents,then it′ll be hard for them to get married.
Due to different history,cultures, and life styles,Chinese and Western weddings,as well as ideas about marriage,differ a lot from each other.But, essentially,in both cultures,the desire of love and the hope of a happy life are the same.
Besides, in today′s open environment,Chinese and Western weddings,as well as ideas about marriage, are constantly blending witheach other.People are willing to changein order to live a better life.
As the saying goes,
there are many ways to gain happiness.
Love is the best one.
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Original edited by HACOS,
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