Fetching of Bride and Gatecrash

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On the wedding day, the groom, accompanied by his groomsmen, journeys to the bride’s home to fetch her to his own, also known as 迎亲 (yíng qīn). Upon arrival, he must wait for a younger male member of the bride’s family to open the door before he can step out of the car. In return for this gesture, the groom presents the young boy with an ang bao (red packet) and receives two mandarin oranges, symbolizing good luck.

Before he can fetch his bride, the groom must go through a gatecrash, also known as 闯门 (chuǎng mén). Traditionally, this served as a test of the groom’s sincerity and love, also symbolizing the bride’s family’s reluctance to part with their daughter. Today, most couples include gatecrash for the fun and happiness.

With the help of his groomsmen, the groom will complete a series of games before gaining access to his bride. One of the most well-known games involves tasting the four essential flavors—sour, sweet, bitter, and spicy (酸甜苦辣). These flavors represent the ups and downs of married life, and successfully enduring them is believed to bring a smooth and harmonious marriage.

Once the games are complete, the groom will “bribe” the bridesmaids with ang baos to gain entry into the bride’s home and fetch his bride. The 迎亲 (yíng qīn) and 闯门 (chuǎng mén) ceremonies conclude when the groom reaches his bride, lifts her veil, and bestows a kiss.

The bride’s family will then serve the couple a bowl of mee sua with hard-boiled eggs, symbolizing longevity. Once they have finished their meal, the newlyweds will prepare to depart from the bride’s home also known as 出阁 (chū gé).

Continue reading: 出阁.