Introduction
It is a universal practice to celebrate the rituals and cultural rite when a couple is going to achieve a marital status. This is because it is widely acknowledged that the roles of spouses, before and after the birth of their children, mark the start of a new generation. The continuation of a society is dependent upon the way these roles are fulfilled. For this reason, families, relatives, and friends make endeavors to invest in the selection of mates, wedding rituals, and parenthood. Therefore, these loved ones recognize and accept this investment by celebrating marriages. Every culture in the world has certain distinctive ceremonies to celebrate marriages. American and Chinese cultures particularly revere the institution of marriage by celebrating it with fervor and full eagerness.
Marriage Celebrations and Rituals in the United States of America
It is not an untold secret that marriages in American society mostly take place when the man and woman involved are ready to tie the knot. Mostly, parents do not interfere in the decisions made by their children. A majority of weddings in America are traditionally commemorated by following the white wedding. In such weddings, the brides wear white wedding dress that is followed by the inclusion of white color in almost everything. Although there is a variation in customs and traditions, there are several similar components in almost all weddings throughout American society.
Invitations are sent to the guests before the wedding in a formal manner. This is usually done by giving invitations by hand for showing the significance of the occasion. Almost every guest gives gifts to the newlywed couple. Gifts for the bride are sent to her home one day before the wedding. Guests don’t usually bring gifts to receptions (Capo, 2013). These gifts usually include household items or money so that the couple may use them when starting their new life. One important aspect of celebration is to choose the color scheme for matching everything including flowers, decorations, invitations, and dresses for bridesmaids.
The place for the wedding ceremony can be anywhere. However, most American weddings take place at an outdoor avenue, church, or courthouse. Americans prefer to keep wedding ceremonies brief and religiously dictated. After the knot is tied, family members and friends give speeches to pray for and praise the couple. Mostly, music is played and bride and bridegroom dance on a specifically chosen song as their wedding dance. Their parents and siblings also join them to celebrate this important occasion. In many sub-cultures, mother-son or daughter-father dances take place too whereby parents and children celebrate this event together to show their acknowledgment and happiness (Capo, 2013). As these ceremonies are brief, anyone who arrives late may miss the whole celebration.
The dresses of American brides are mostly light in color including white, silver, or off-white. Black color is exceedingly discouraged as it is worn on funerals in the Western world. Bridegrooms usually wear suits at their marriages. In some families, it is a ritual to throw uncooked rice at the couple for symbolizing fertility. Some people may throw wheat kernels for wishing good luck to the couple. At the wedding parties, full meals, snacks, and drinks are served at receptions. In many weddings, bridesmaids and best men (usually fathers) toast the new husband and wife by sharing their private stories and thoughts (Capo, 2013). Champagne is the popular choice for toasting. Wedding cakes are a must in American weddings and the couple cuts it together. It is important to mention that the bride and her family members usually plan and organize the arrangement by “booking and liaising with caterers, florists, musicians, church or registry office, photographers, and others commissioned to provide a service for the day” (Monger, 2013).
Marriage Celebrations and Rituals in China
Given the large territory and oversized population of China, there are several Chinese wedding traditions that are diverse according to the places they take place in. However, there are some distinctive guidelines that are adhered to in a majority of Chinese weddings (Capo, 2013).
Many families in China traditionally follow the old wedding tradition of arrange marriage whereby matchmakers and parents are responsible for selecting the spouse for their child. This is particularly significant for the parents of a female who is obliged to follow her husband in every way possible. Invitations are sent in red-colored wrappers to symbolize wealth and happiness. Guests also present gifts in red-colored papers and envelopes (Tong, 2003). Unlike American weddings, the weddings in China are featured with gold and bright red colors from the dress of the bride to the invitations and decorations. This is because Chinese believe red to be the color of merriment, love, happiness, and joy. The involvement of white color is not observed at a traditional Chinese wedding. A traditional wedding ceremony starts with serving tea to the guests. This is an important part of almost every wedding in the Chinese society. The groom and bride serve tea to the elders for showing respect to them. As far as brides are concerned, they usually have different dresses to wear at the wedding and at the reception. In parts where traditional weddings take place, the bride may change clothes twice or thrice throughout her special day (Capo, 2013).
Unlike American weddings, Chinese weddings are quiet and peaceful. The Chinese regard it extremely important to remember the departed family members and ancestors as a significant wedding tradition. For this purpose, a separate altar or table (decorated with flowers) is set aside by the Chinese couples for the ancestors. The bride and groom also pay respect and reverence to their elders and parents for guiding and advising them throughout their lives. The ceremony also includes a generous and prolific banquet or reception including a ten-course meal for the guests. This is a way to show gratefulness and merriment for the couple’s union. The delicacies consist of soup (shark’s fin), whole fish, and bird’s nest soup (Capo, 2013).
During the wedding ceremony, friends and families of groom and bride share the joy by cracking jokes to keep the environment comfortable and enjoyable for everyone. The ceremony ends by lighting firecrackers to chase away evil spirits and demons from the couple (Capo, 2013).
Conclusion
References
Capo, A. (2013). Wedding Traditions from Around the World. Bloomington, IN: Author House.
Gong, R. (2005). Good Luck Life: The Essential Guide to Chinese American Celebrations and Culture. New York, N.Y.: HarperResource.
Monger, G. (2013). Marriage Customs of the World: An Encyclopedia of Dating Customs and Wedding Traditions (Expanded 2nd ed.). Santa Barbara, Calif.: ABC-CLIO.
Tong, D. (2003). A Biblical Approach to Chinese Traditions and Beliefs. Singapore: Genesis.
