Chinese Red Lantern
Chinese culture has a number of superstitions regarding create a wedding environment that will lead to a happy marriage. Many of these superstitions pertain to decorations at the wedding, reception site and newlyweds' house.
Double Happiness
Traditionally, the families of both the groom and bride participate in decorating the couple's house and the wedding site. The Chinese character for "double happiness" is imperative at a wedding. It is the character for happy that has been doubled, placed side by side and joined together. The character is usually drawn on---or cut from---a piece of red paper and is placed where the young couple can gaze at it during the wedding. It is common for the double happiness sign to be seen multiple times in every room of the newlyweds' house to bring them good fortune during their marriage.
The Color Red
The color red is used everywhere during weddings. It is the color of the banners, the lanterns, the double happiness signs, and the bride's wedding dress. In more traditional Chinese weddings, red candles are burned and the bride wears a red scarf on her head. Red symbolizes happiness and good luck in Chinese culture, since it is associated with the sun, life and fire. The Han Chinese also believe that red will ward off evil spirits.
Wedding Banners
Red banners are hung on both sides of the doors to the reception site and the couple's home. The banners are decorated with rhythmic poems in Chinese calligraphy that celebrate the union of two people and honor their marriage.
Phoenix and Dragon
Depictions and centerpieces of a phoenix and dragon together are a common sight at Chinese weddings. It is a yin-and-yang metaphor, with the dragon referring to the groom or male half, and the phoenix referring to the bride or female half. Together they represent the unity of two halves to make a complete whole and symbolize happiness in the couple's new life together.
Tags: double happiness, Chinese culture, Chinese weddings, newlyweds house, reception site, that will