Chinese folk weddings were popular from the late Ming Dynasty to the Republic of China, often adopting folk wedding customs after the Song Dynasty and integrating various ethnic wedding customs and cultures.
1. Opening Ceremony of Act One
The saluting officials entered the venue, and the cannons fired in unison. At this moment, the newlyweds lined up and marched into the venue.
2. Act 2: Defining the Universe
Before welcoming the bride, the groom should first draw his bow and shoot arrows, first shooting at the sky, then at the ground, three shots at the sedan door, and three arrows to determine the universe.
3. Act Three: Kicking the Sedan Door (Exemption for unused sedan chairs)
Please ask the groom to come to the sedan chair and give a light kick to the door. The bride should also kick the door in response.
4. Act Four: Crossing the Saddle
The bride crosses the saddle and waits for the groom to greet her.
5. Act 5: Leading Red Silk
The groom and bride hold red silk together. Indicating the frontline of the Moon Elder, fate determines three lives.
6. Act 6: Crossing the Fire Pot
Newcomers cross the brazier together, symbolizing the removal of evil energy and the prosperity of the fire.
7. Act Seven: Entering the Joyful Hall and Measuring Feet
The ceremonial officer took out a redwood ruler from the lamp bowl and measured it from the groom's heel to the top of his head. This is Tianchang. Measure from the top of the bride's head to her heels, which is called 'long ground'. Put the redwood ruler back into the lamp holder, take out the gold scissors and make a virtual cut in front of the eyebrows of the groom and bride. Husband and wife raise their eyebrows together and grow old together. Put the scissors back into the lampshade, then remove the concentric copper lock from the lampshade and fasten the locking bow between the waists of the two newcomers. Speak smoothly and listen harmoniously.
8. Act 8: Worship Heaven and Earth
Newlyweds worship heaven and earth, worship the high hall twice, and bow to each other as husband and wife.
9. Act 9: Picking the Head
The groom picked up a joyful bow and lifted the bride's veil.
10. Act 10: Toasting Wine
The groomsmen and bridesmaids bring a toast, and the groom and bride drink together.
11. Act 11: Wedding Ceremony
Using golden scissors, cut a strand of hair from each of the groom and bride's temples, then merge their hair together and divide it into two strands. Tie them up with a narrow red silk ribbon and hand them over to the two newlyweds.