The Blessing from the Elder (II)
In the last posts, I shared the story and meaning of the gold accessories. However, each gold object has a unique symbolism. If you want to know which gold item is the most important, keep reading it!
The “Long Feng” Gold Bracelets – The Implication of the Perfect Romance
If you read my post introducing Qungau, you must be familiar with the significance of the dragon and phoenix in the traditional Chinese wedding. The dragon and phoenix patterns are likewise displayed on the pair of gold bracelets but are engraved on separate sides. Brides should wear the dragon pattern on the left hand and the phoenix pattern on the right hand. Usually, the craftsmen will also engrave some flowers on the bracelets, signifying a happy and wealthy marriage life.
Generally, the elder relatives like uncles or aunties from the newlyweds can gift the bride a pair of gold bracelets. The bracelet giver will help the bride wear a pair of gold bracelets during the tea ceremony (the process in which the couples kneel and ask the elders to sip tea, an expression of respect for the families). Brides should wear all the gifted gold bracelet pairs on their hands to show respect. However, if the brides receive too many and cannot wear all of them on their hands, they will use a red string to string the bracelet together and wear it as a necklace.
*Left: Brides usually received several pairs of gold bracelets from the elder
*Right: A bride wears the gold bracelet as a necklace when she receives too many pairs of gold bracelet
The Golden Pig Medal Necklace – The Blessing to Have More Offspring
Besides the “Long Feng” gold bracelet pair, the newlyweds’ parents will also gift a golden pig medal necklace to the bride to wish them to have more kids after getting married. The golden pig medal necklace typically has six or eight pigs: one giant pig on top and a group of tiny pigs below, representing a family with plenty of kids and grandkids. But unlike the gold bracelet set, only the parents of the brides and bridegrooms will be “eligible” to give their daughter or daughter-in-law the golden pig medal necklace.
*A large pig accompanying six little pigs below, implying to have more kids and grandkids.
The Gold Necklace with Pendant – The Lifelong Companionship
The pronunciation of necklace in Chinese is “Xiang Lian,” the homophone pun of “falling in love.” Meanwhile, a necklace is worn on the neck, a place very close to the heart, and wearing a necklace with a pendant always includes a locking action, which symbolizes the lock for the heart and the companionship of each other for a lifetime.
*A gold necklace designed with dragon and phoenix pattern, together with a heart shape engraved blessing words.
The Gold Earrings – The Willingness to Listen and Understand
Additionally, the wedding-style gold earrings are consistently made in the form of a ginkgo leaf or a flower, signifying “having children and grandchildren” and the extension of the family tree. Besides, the Cantonese pronunciation of ginkgo is the homophone pun “sweet and happiness.” Therefore, wearing gold ginkgo leaf earrings also means you are lucky to have a loved one next to you, and you have to treasure each other.
Traditions and Evolvement on Chinese Wedding Outfit
After reading these seven posts, you probably know all the essential items for Chinese wedding attire, from the clothing to the accessories. Yet, Chinese wedding clothing has also evolved; brides no longer only choose Qungua as their wedding outfit. If you want to know what is the substitute for the traditional wedding gown, read my next post!