The Clothing Under Qungua
If you read my previous posts, I am sure you must be familiar with Qungua. However, unlike wearing a Western wedding gown, wearing a red pajama underneath is essential when donning a Qungua. The meanings behind it are far more than you expect. If you want to learn why, just keep reading this post!
The Red Pajamas and the Wedding Custom
Every nation has its own wedding traditions. The most common customs in Western culture include the prohibition on bridegrooms viewing the bride’s wedding gown prior to the ceremony and the phrase, “Something Olde, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, A Sixthing in the Shoe.” This means the bride should gather these five things to have a wonderful marriage life. Similarly, a Chinese wedding also has a series of customs to do before the bride’s Big Day. Examples included:
- The mother or grandmother of the bride climbs her hair and says some blessing sentences for a happy married life.
- Brides eat sweet dumplings.
- Lighting two red candles and waiting for it to finish.
However, all the brides must do these tasks while dressed in red pajamas. Otherwise, you won’t be able to do the pre-wedding tasks, which may bring misfortune to your marriage life.
Why Red Pajama and Red Underwear for Brides?
If white color is the foundation color for Western countries’ weddings, red would be the color with the same importance for having luck in Asian weddings. Traditionally, brides should wear red color underwear (the red color bra and panties) and red pajamas after taking a shower to finish a bunch of “bringing luck” activities. Brides must always wear the red items, and the Qungua is worn on top of the red pajamas. Brides can only take the red items off until they change to wear a Western wedding dress for the night party.
The Mom helps the daughter to wear the Qungau on top of the red pajamas
Regarding the significance of the red items, brides wearing red lingerie symbolize luck and happiness. It also implies couples would be strongly attracted to each other and experience satisfying and frequent intercourse. Therefore, the brides will become pregnant and have a son more easily. While the red pajama, it must be worn under the Qungua. The implication is the bride is pure and spotless. Yet, the pajama also has the practical usage. On the one hand, it can help the bride avoid being allergic to the dense gold and silver threads on the Qungua. On the other hand, because most women would opt to lease the Qungua rather than buy it, it can also prevent brides from making the Qungua dirt.
Never Underestimate the Importance of the Red Pajama’s Quality
Generally, people only wear the red pajamas and underwear once for their wedding. Therefore, some people would buy a set at a “more economical” price. Yet, the low-quality red pajamas may have a more serious color fading issue and lead to skin allergy problems. Thus, the best way to handle the red pajama and lingerie part would be to go to the retail store and get it. Additionally, after getting all the red items, soaking them in the water with salt for 20-30 minutes is suggested to prevent the color fading regardless of their quality. Lastly, brides should also consider using chemical products like fragrances and antiperspirants. It may lead to color fading as well.
The Last Essential Item
Behind the Qungua, Red pajamas, and Red lingerie, can you guess the last essential item in the Chinese wedding attire? Let me give you a hint. What other item must you wear when you need to go out? Follow my next post and see if you can guess it!