婚礼习俗

traditions

Because we bring two cultures together with our marriage, we also weave Dutch and Chinese traditions from both cultures into our wedding. This is how we make this day a celebration that really suits us.
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Here are a few examples that you might see coming back to our wedding.

chinese
dutch
Unlike many Western weddings, where the main focus is on the ceremony itself, Chinese weddings are often more elaborate
and they focus on honoring ancestors, bringing two families together, and inviting prosperity and happiness through symbolic rituals
Double happiness symbol
囍
shuāng xǐ
The Double Happiness symbol is created by combining two identical Chinese characters for good luck  (喜 xǐ) . Instead of luck once, it symbolises double happiness — the union of bride and groom.
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The symbol dates back to the Tang dynasty (618—907). According to a legend, a scholar passed his imperial exam on the same day and got married.
He called this “double happiness”, after which the symbol was specially associated with marriage.
tea ceremony
敬茶
Jìng chá

The tea ceremony is one of the most important traditions for a Chinese wedding. The newlyweds kneel or bow while serving tea to their parents and elderly family members, as a sign of respect and gratitude.

In return, the elderly give:

  • Red envelopes (紅包 hóngbāo) filled with money as a symbol of good wishes and happiness
  • Gold jewelry as a blessing for prosperity and prosperity. Often, this jewelry has been passed down from mother to daughter for generations.
lucky dates
In Chinese culture, choosing an auspicious date for important events, such as a wedding, is deeply rooted in tradition and symbolism. Many couples consult the lunar calendar and the Chinese zodiac to find a date that will bring prosperity, harmony and happiness to their marriage.
The most important lucky numbers are 8 (wealth), 9 (love/eternity), 6 (prosperity) and 2 (unit/harmony)
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Our wedding date, May 29, so it wasn't chosen entirely at random ;)
The Dutch wedding traditions are generally somewhat simpler and less extensive than, for example, the Chinese traditions, which often involve multiple ceremonies and rituals.
Carrying the bride across the threshold

After the wedding — often when the newlywed couple enters their home together for the first time — the groom carries the bride across the threshold.
This tradition dates back to ancient Europe, even to Roman times.

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Different meanings were given to it:

  • Protection against evil spirits who would stay at the threshold
  • Prevent the bride from stumbling (which was seen as an accident)
  • Symbolizing that the groom welcomes and protects his wife

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The Dutch culture included the threshold symbol for the boundary between the bride's old life and her new life as a married woman. Crossing them marks the beginning of a new chapter together.

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Throw the bridal bouquet
During the party, the bride throws her bridal bouquet to a group of unmarried women. According to tradition, whoever catches the bouquet would be the next to get married.

You might find another hybrid version of this at our wedding.
the neighborhood (or family) is building something
In the Achterhoek, the neighborhood is often part of marriage. Neighbors and friends make a creative building or a funny sign near the house for the newlyweds. It could be a bow of honor, a wooden structure or a nod to the couple.

For example, the neighborhood shows that marriage not only connects two people, but also the community around it.
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