Different nationalities have different marriage customs in China

Chinese marriage	Chinese marriage

China is a large country with 56 nationalities. Different nationalities have different marriage customs, but the wedding ceremony is usually very complicated.
The traditional Chinese marriage usually involves 6 necessary procedures, they are as follows: matchmaking, engagement, betrothal presents, meeting the bride and drinking wedlock wine.
Matchmaking is that the matchmaker will woo the girl on the boy’s behalf and asks about the girl’s age and date of birth and then go to a fortune-teller to predict their future.
Engagement is a ceremony involves an exchange of engagement certificate that indicates the year, month, day and hour of each other’s birth, each pair consisting of one Heavenly Stem and one Earthly Branch.
Betrothal presents are gifts sent to the girl’s family, usually some garments, ornaments and money. The girl’s family may return the man’s hat and shoes or stationery .
Three Bows, also called Bow to Heaven and Earth, is the most important rite in the ceremony, the new couple need to stand side by side, making three bows. First bow to heaven, earth and ancestors; secondly to both parent; finally to each other.
Drinking wedlock wine is the last but probably the most exciting procedure for the marriage. The new couple, after an exchange of toasts and drinks, will soon be ready to rest.