Engagement is equivalent to the ancient six rituals of 'accepting and collecting', and is a sign of the maturity of marriage. Na Zheng, also known as the Great Ceremony, is the fourth step of the Six Rites, which is very formal. One month before the wedding, the groom needs to deliver the bride price, dowry and other items to the bride's home. In order to express gratitude, the bride should give a gift in return. The successful completion of the recruitment represents the basic establishment of this marriage.
1、 The Meaning of Six Rites
1. Na Cai: The man's family invites a matchmaker to propose to the woman's family, and the woman's family agrees to negotiate. After the marriage, the man's family prepares gifts to propose.
2. Name inquiry: The man's family requests the matchmaker to inquire about the woman's name and birthdate, in order to proceed with the marriage.
3. Najib: After the man retrieves the woman's birth date and eight characters, he practices divination at the ancestral temple. After the auspicious omen was announced, the bride's family was notified and it was decided to enter into marriage.
4. Na Zheng: also known as Na Yin, refers to the act of a man delivering a dowry to a woman's home before marriage.
5. Request: The male family chooses a wedding date and prepares gifts to inform the female family, seeking their consent.
6. Welcome: The groom personally goes to the bride's house to marry.
2、 What preparations are needed for engagement
1. Male party
(1) Hiring fee: The amount can be negotiated with the bride's family.
(2) Bridal gifts: including chicken, duck, fish, meat, tobacco, wine, tea, desserts, Dim sum, dragon and phoenix candles, fireworks and other items.
(3) Clothing and jewelry: Three golds or hardware, engagement rings, clothing, etc.
(4) Matchmaker's gift: Thank you for the introduction of the matchmaker.
(5) Banquet Gift: Discounting the banquet money to the female party.
2. The female party
(1) Clothing ACCESSORIES: suits, ties, leather SHOES, shirts, etc.
(2) Engagement banquet: a banquet for the groom and his family.
(3) Gifts: specialties, fruits, health products, etc.
(4) Matchmaker's gift: Thank the matchmaker for facilitating the marriage.