A Chinese-style wedding in Beijing prays for happiness. The bride holds an apple (secure and unhindered future awaits you) in her hand. The groom shoots three arrows to determine the universe (a symbolic act), leads the embroidered ball, steps over the fire pan, strides over the saddle, bows to heaven and earth, lifts the bridal veil, drinks the nuptial wine from the joined cups, and lights the red candles ------ Coupled with the classic shouts in an old Beijing Chinese-style wedding, it has become a favorite wedding among newlyweds in the new era.
The "groom shooting three arrows to determine the universe" is a traditional ritual in a Chinese-style wedding, carrying rich cultural implications.
Origin and Background :
This ritual originated from ancient traditional customs. In ancient times, marriage was regarded as an important union between two families, and it also had meanings such as warding off evil spirits and praying for good fortune. Culturally, it was also related to ancient archery culture and military culture to some extent. In ancient society, arrows represented strength and deterrence, and the act of shooting arrows itself was solemn and sacred.
Specific Meanings
Warding off Evil Spirits:
The first arrow being shot implies driving away the evil spirits that the bride might have encountered on her way to the groom's family. In traditional beliefs, people thought that during the bride's journey from her maiden home to her husband's home, she might be affected by some invisible evil spirits or negative auras. The groom shooting the arrow is like opening up a pure and auspicious path for the bride, ensuring that she can enter the groom's family with good luck and blessings. For example, in some traditional weddings in remote mountainous areas, people believed that there were various ghosts and spirits in the mountains and forests, and the groom's arrow could disperse these inauspicious things that might follow the bride.
Claiming Marital Sovereignty:
The second arrow symbolizes the groom's announcement to the outside world of his marital sovereignty over the bride. In ancient society, the establishment of a marital relationship was not only a matter between the husband and wife but also involved the recognition of the families and society. This arrow is like a declaration, telling the people around and the gods that the bride belongs to the groom from then on and will be protected by him. Just as ancient feudal lords demarcated their territories, the groom determines his dominant position in the marriage by shooting the arrow, and at the same time expresses his possession and guardianship of the bride.
Praying for Good Fortune and a Happy Marriage:
The third arrow represents a beautiful wish for the future married life, hoping that the couple can live in harmony and happiness after marriage, with everything going smoothly in their own "universe". In traditional culture, "universe" (Qiankun in Chinese) has the meaning of heaven and earth or the world. Through this arrow, the groom prays that he can take control of the "universe" of his small family and make the married life smooth sailing. For example, in some traditional large families, the harmony between the husband and wife had an important impact on the rise and fall of the whole family. This arrow carries the hope of the newlyweds for their future life, hoping that their family can be as stable and orderly as the heaven and earth.
The newlyweds sign their own names as well as those of their beloveds on the imperial edict as a memento that will last "for a lifetime".
In front of the big red character "Xi" (which symbolizes happiness in Chinese weddings), after the groom shoots three arrows to determine the universe, the bride and groom hold the red embroidered ball in their hands and step over the saddle, wishing for a safe life. Then they stride over the fire pan, symbolizing a prosperous life. As the imperial edict would say, their love is destined to last "for a lifetime". The most classic moment is when the groom uses a weighing pole to lift the bridal veil for the bride. "First, look at the cherry-like lips. Second, look at the willow-leaf-shaped eyebrows. Third, look at the good fortune and happiness!" The moment when the beautiful brides reveal their charming faces must be the most beautiful moment in their whole lives.
Of course, there are even more unforgettable parts, such as bowing to the elders, bowing to the parents, and the couple bowing to each other. These are important parts of the wedding. Write down your vows on the marriage contract, sign both of your names, and wish for a harmonious union that lasts a lifetime. After the hair-cutting ceremony is completed, precious gifts are left for the newlyweds, making this moment unforgettable for you "for a lifetime".
Tea Ceremony: The new couple will serve tea to their parents and elders. This is a way to show respect and gratitude. It is also a symbol of the formal integration of the bride into the groom's family and the recognition and blessing of the elders for the new union. For example, the bride and groom will kneel down in front of their parents, offer a cup of tea with both hands, and the parents will give red envelopes or gifts in return as a blessing.
Bowing to Heaven and Earth: The couple bows to heaven, earth, and their ancestors. Bowing to heaven and earth shows their respect for nature and the universe and their hope for a harmonious coexistence. Bowing to ancestors is a manifestation of commemorating and asking for the blessing of their ancestors. It is believed that the ancestors' blessings can bring good luck and stability to the new family.
Sending-off the Bride: When the bride leaves her natal home, there is often a solemn sending-off ceremony. Family members and friends will accompany the bride for a certain distance, and the bride may shed tears to express her reluctance to leave her family. This also reflects the importance and emotional bond of family in traditional Chinese culture.
Wedding Banquet: A sumptuous wedding banquet is held to entertain relatives and friends. There are various traditional Chinese dishes on the table, and people celebrate the wedding, toast the new couple, and share their joy and blessings. The wedding banquet is not only a meal but also a platform for social interaction and the spread of wedding happiness.
The newlyweds enjoy the wedding banquet, light the dragon and phoenix candlesticks, drink the nuptial wine from the joined cups together, take pictures to mark the occasion, and record the most romantic scenes in the moment of "loving you for a lifetime".
Finally, I wish all the newlywed friends an eternal and unbreakable bond and a love that lasts forever!