Chinese Custom - Wedding

While I attending a talk about Chinese motifs on ceramic in library @ Chinatown. These are what I saw exhibited in the library on the way to the programme zone. It was as though I had stepped into a mini musuem.

Qun Kua 裙褂(Traditional Chinese wedding dress)

It is a two piece garment. Qun being the skirt and Kua the jacket. Originated from the Manchurian but was later evolved and being widely worn by the Cantonese during weddings. There should be a dragon (symbolising the groom) and a phoenix (symbolising the bride) embroidered down the front of a traditional qun kua. In the past, only the king and the imperial members can wear dragons and phoenixes on their robes. The qun kua can also be adorned with auspicious embellishments like peonies (symbolising prosperity) or pomegranates (symbolising blessed with numerous offsprings). It was originally black top and red bottom. Now, this combination is reserved for elderly women. Then, it has evolved to entirely red as red is a lucky colour for chinese. In olden days, only the first wife is allowed to wear red, concubines have to wear lighter shades such as pink or peach.

Wedding procession

裙褂 - spotted "butterfiy motifs" which means "hu die" in Chinese. It is a phonogram for 福叠 "fu die" which means loads of happiness

Peonies 

Wooden craved Bridal sedan

Bride's dowry?

Even the chair in it is carved!

The exhibit showcased only these wedding related items. There are also panels describing Chinese custom such as wedding, baby shower, birthday for the elderly as well funeral. Do drop by if you are in Chinatown Point.

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