Traditional Chinese Weddings in Malaysia, especially in Melaka, are steeped in rich customs and traditions that have been passed down for centuries. These customs and traditions are deeply rooted in Chinese culture and are meant to bring good luck, prosperity, and happiness to the couple.
Here are some of the most important Chinese wedding customs in Melaka, along with their traditional poems:
(1) Guo Da Li (过大礼) - This is the betrothal ceremony, where the groom's
family visits the bride's family to formally ask for her hand in marriage. During this ceremony, the groom's family
presents a list of gifts to the bride's family, which includes items such as
jewelry, tea sets, and red packets containing money. The bride's family then
returns the gesture by presenting a set of gifts to the groom's family. The
traditional poem recited during Guo Da Li is:
“过门重礼有三般，情意绵绵爱意长。金银财宝传家宝，文书字画传心声。祝
福二字多真诚，缘来是我合良缘。天赐良缘感恩重，美满幸福永相随。”
“Guòmén zhòng lǐ yǒusān bān, qíngyì miánmián ài yì zhǎng. Jīn yín cáibǎo chuánjiābǎo, wénshū zìhuà chuán xīnshēng. Zhùfú èr zì duō zhēnchéng, yuán lái shì wǒ hé liángyuán. Tiāncì liángyuán gǎn'ēn zhòng, měimǎn xìngfú yǒng xiāng suí."
Translation: "There are three types of gifts in the betrothal
ceremony, conveying never-ending love and care. Wealthy gifts to treasure for
generations to come, calligraphy and paintings to express heartfelt emotions.
Wishing you both a true and sincere love, a fateful meeting and a happy
marriage. Cherishing this auspicious match, may you live happily ever
after."
Some other examples:
(1)
Yī pào kāi tiānmén, èr xǐlínmén tíng,
三生有幸遇良緣，四海宾朋共賀慶。
Sān shēng yǒuxìng yù liángyuán, sìhǎi bīnpéng gòng hè qìng.
五福臨門家春滿，六六大順事事亨,
Wǔfú línmén jiā chūn mǎn, liùliù dà shùn shì shì hēng,
七子團圓添喜慶，八方資源聚家庭。
Qī zǐ tuányuán tiān xǐqìng, bāfāng zīyuán jù jiātíng.
九九同心迎金婚，十年芳慶永圓滿。
Jiǔjiǔ tóngxīn yíng jīnhūn, shí nián fāng qìngyǒng yuánmǎn.
Translation:
One red package, symbol of joy,
Two families unite, happiness will deploy,
Three bows to heaven and earth, blessings pour,
Four plates of gifts, gratitude in store.
Five grains of rice, symbolic of abundance,
Six forms of jewelry, with significance,
Seven words of advice, given with care,
Eight treasures for the bride, love to share.
Nine perfect gifts, chosen with thought,
Ten thousand blessings, to be sought.
(2) 一碗饗食甜如蜜，
Yī wǎn xiǎng shí tián rú mì,
二杯交杯酒，甜蜜美好伴侶，
Èr bēi jiāobēijiǔ, tiánmì měihǎo bànlǚ,
三寶貝高挑似玉，
Sān bǎobèi gāotiǎo sì yù,
四喜鵲橋牽線，喜結良緣燕爾新。
Sì xǐquè qiáo qiānxiàn, xǐ jié liángyuán yàn'ěr xīn.
五福臨門賀喜你，
Wǔfú línmén hèxǐ nǐ,Wǔfú línmén hèxǐ nǐ,
六六大順好運來，
Liùliù dà shùn hǎoyùn lái,
七星高照照你路，
Qīxīng gāozhàozhào nǐ lù,
八方財源進你門。
Bāfāng cáiyuán jìn nǐ mén.
九龍騰飛展翅翱，
Jiǔlóng téngfēi zhǎnchì áo,
十全十美幸福饗。
Shíquánshíměi xìngfú xiǎng.
Translation:
A bowl of sweet food,
Two cups of toasting wine, a sweet and happy partner,
Three treasures are tall and slender like jade,
Four auspicious magpies on the bridge, happy to tie the knot and start a new life.
Five blessings come to your door to congratulate you,
Sixty-six in harmony, good luck is here,
Seven stars shining on your path,
Eight directions of wealth entering your home.
Nine dragons soaring and flying with their wings spread,
Ten perfect and beautiful happiness to enjoy.
(2) Hair Combing Ceremony (梳头Shūtóu) -
This is a ritual that is usually carried out separately by the bride and groom on the morning of the wedding day. The bride and groom sit in front of a mirror while an elderly female family member combs their hair. This is done to symbolize the couple's transition into adulthood and marriage. The traditional poem recited during the hair combing ceremony is:
“百年好合，永结同心，恩爱同发，白头偕老。”
“Bǎinián hǎo hé, yǒng jié tóngxīn, ēn'ài tóng fā, báitóuxiélǎo.”
Some other examples:
(1) 一葉扁舟送愛侶，
Yīyè piānzhōu sòng ài lǚ
二人同濟永相許。
Èr rén tóngjì yǒng xiāng xǔ.
三緣聚散總有時，
Sān yuán jù sàn zǒng yǒu shí,
四季平安福無疆。
Sìjì píng'ān fú wújiāng.
五福臨門賀喜你，
Wǔfú línmén hèxǐ nǐ,
六六大順好運來，
Liùliù dà shùn hǎoyùn lái,
七星高照照你路，
Qīxīng gāozhàozhào nǐ lù,
八方財源進你門。
Bāfāng cáiyuán jìn nǐ mén.
九龍騰飛展翅翱，
Jiǔlóng téngfēi zhǎnchì áo,
十全十美幸福饗。
Shíquánshíměi xìngfú xiǎng.
Translation:
A flat boat sends the lovers away,
Two people together forever.
Three reasons for meeting and parting,
Four seasons of peace and endless blessings.
Five blessings come to your door to congratulate you,
Sixty-six in harmony, good luck is here,
Seven stars shining on your path,
Eight directions of wealth entering your home.
Nine dragons soaring and flying with their wings spread,
Ten perfect and beautiful happiness to enjoy.
(2) 一梳新娘髮，
Yī shū xīnniáng fà,
二代表舊時辭，
Èr dàibiǎo jiùshí cí
三嫁入新家，
Sān jià rù xīnjiā,
四開啟新篇章。
Sì kāiqǐ xīn piānzhāng.
五母親梳頭，
Wǔ mǔqīn shūtóu,
六祝福話連綿，
Liù zhùfú huà liánmián,
七簪花髮饰美，
Qī zān huā fà shì měi,
八新娘動人面。
Bā xīnniáng dòngrén miàn.
九神聖儀式開，
Jiǔ shénshèng yíshì kāi,
十幸福新生活。
Shí xìngfú xīn shēnghuó.
Translation:
One combing of the bride's hair,
Two symbolizes bidding farewell to the past,
Three marrying into a new family,
Four embarking on a new chapter.
Five, the mother combs the hair,
Six, blessings and words are spoken endlessly,
Seven, hair accessories and flowers are added beautifully,
Eight, the bride's face is moving.
Nine, a sacred ceremony begins,
Ten, a new life of happiness.
(3) 一生一世情侶緣，
Yīshēng yīshì qínglǚ yuán,
二人共築美好家園，
èr rén gòng zhú měihǎo jiāyuán
三生三世擁抱你，
sānshì yǒngbào nǐ,
四季如春永不老。
sìjì rú chūnyǒng bùlǎo
五福臨門賀喜你，
Wǔfú línmén hèxǐ nǐ
六六大順好運來，
liùliù dà shùn hǎoyùn lái,
七星高照照你路，
īxīng gāozhàozhào nǐ lù,
八方財源進你門。
bāfāng cáiyuán jìn nǐ mén
九龍騰飛展翅翱，
Jiǔlóng téngfēi zhǎnchì áo
十全十美幸福饗。
shíquánshíměi
Translation:
A lifetime of love and fate together,
Two build a beautiful home,
Three lives to hold you tight,
Four seasons like spring, forever young.
May the five blessings come to your door, congratulations,
May the six six bring good fortune and smooth sailing,
May the seven stars shine upon your path,
May wealth come to you from all directions.
May the dragon soar high and spread its wings,
May everything be perfect and happiness be enjoyed to the fullest.
(3) Tea Ceremony (敬茶Jìng chá) -
During the tea
ceremony, the couple serves tea to their parents and other senior relatives as
a sign of respect and gratitude. In return, the couple receives blessings and
well-wishes from their elders. The traditional poem recited during the tea ceremony
is:
“茶喜是礼，双喜临门，祝贺儿女成家，百年好合，喜结连理。”
“Chá xǐ shì lǐ, shuāng xǐlínmén, zhùhè érnǚ chéngjiā, bǎinián hǎo hé, xǐ jié liánlǐ.”
Some other examples:
1. 茶是人生的滋味，
Chá shì rénshēng de zīwèi
品一口，感悟世间情。
Pǐn yīkǒu, gǎnwù shìjiān qíng.
新人共品一杯茶，
Xīnrén gòng pǐn yībēi chá,
情意相连，爱意生。
Qíngyì xiānglián, ài yì shēng
茶喜是礼，意意相连，
Chá xǐ shì lǐ, yì yì xiānglián,
缘分天定，百年好合。
Yuánfèn tiān dìng, bǎinián hǎo hé
Translation:
Tea is the flavor of life,
Take a sip, understand the world's emotions.
The newlyweds share a cup of tea,
Connected by feelings, born from love.
Tea is a gift, connecting intentions,
Fate is predetermined, may you have a hundred years of happiness together.
2. 沏一杯清茶，香气袭人来。
Qī yībēi qīngchá, xiāngqì xí rén lái.
新人共品茶，两心合一谐。
Xīnrén gòng pǐn chá, liǎng xīn hé yī xié.
天作之合，百年好姻缘。
Tiānzuòzhīhé, bǎinián hǎo yīnyuán.
祝福永恒，情比金坚。
Zhùfú yǒnghéng, qíng bǐ jīn jiān
Translation:
Brew a cup of tea, fragrance fills the air.
The newlyweds share tea, their hearts harmonize as one.
A match made in heaven, a hundred years of good marriage.
Eternal blessings, love as strong as gold.
3. 人生有幸，品一杯清茶。
Rénshēng yǒuxìng, pǐn yībēi qīngchá.
缘起情深，新婚喜结连理。
Yuánqǐ qíng shēn, xīnhūn xǐ jié liánlǐ.
悠长人生路，风雨同舟一起走。
Yōucháng rénshēng lù, fēngyǔtóngzhōu yīqǐ zǒu.
天赐姻缘，百年好相伴。
Tiāncì yīnyuán, bǎinián hǎo xiāngbàn.
Translation:
In the luck of life, drink a cup of clear tea.
Deep love leads to joyous wedding and union.
Through the long journey of life, we face storms together.
Blessed with a fated relationship, may you be together for a hundred years.
(4) Lion Dance (舞狮Wǔ shī) - The lion dance is a
traditional performance that is usually performed at the wedding reception. The
lion dance is believed to bring good luck and drive away evil spirits. The
traditional poem recited during the lion dance is:
“舞狮之际，祥云满天，福神降临，喜气洋洋。狮子摇头，尾巴甩尽，迎春接福，幸福
来到。”
“Wǔ shī zhī jì, xiángyún mǎn tiān, fúshén jiànglín, xǐqìyángyáng. Shīzi yáotóu, wěibā shuǎi jǐn, yíngchūn jiē fú, xìngfú lái dào.”
Translation: "As the lion dance begins, auspicious clouds fill the sky, and the god of good fortune descends, bringing joy and happiness. The lion shakes its head and tail, ushering in the spring and welcoming good fortune, bringing happiness to all."
(5) Red Envelope (红包Hóngbāo) - Giving red envelopes
is a common practice in Chinese weddings, and it is customary to give money in
even numbers to represent good luck. The traditional poem recited when giving
red envelopes is:
“新婚大喜，恭祝百年好合。幸福美满，红包请笑纳。”
“Xīnhūn dàxǐ, gōng zhù bǎinián hǎo hé. Xìngfú měimǎn, hóngbāo qǐng xiàonà.”
Translation: "Congratulations on your marriage, wishing you a lifetime of happiness and harmony. May your life together be filled with joy and prosperity. Please accept this red envelope with our blessings."
(6) Wedding Banquet (喜宴) - The wedding banquet is
the grand finale of the wedding celebrations, and it is usually held at a
restaurant or hotel. During the banquet, guests are served a multi-course meal,
and the newlyweds make their rounds to greet and thank their guests. The
traditional poem recited during the wedding banquet is:
“Xǐ jié liángyuán, gòng pǔ àiqíng tiánmì qū. Huā kāi fùguì, jǔ bēi qìnghè liǎng qíng róngqià."
Translation: "Congratulations on your happy union, may your love
story be sweet and beautiful. May your lives be filled with prosperity and
happiness, let us raise our glasses to celebrate your perfect match."
Some other examples:
1. 新婚燕尔 Xīnhūn yàn'ěr
一生一世，两心相悦，
Yīshēng yīshì, liǎng xīn xiāng yuè,
二人新婚，甜蜜美满。
Èr rén xīnhūn, tiánmì měimǎn.
三阳开泰，四季平安，
Sān yáng kāi tài, sìjì píng'ān,
五福临门，六六大顺。
Wǔfú línmén, liùliù dà shùn
七星高照，八方来财，
Qīxīng gāo zhào, bāfāng lái cái,
九州鼎力，十全十美。
Jiǔzhōu dǐnglì, shíquánshíměi.
Translation:
Newlyweds' happiness
One life, two hearts in harmony,
Two people newlywed, sweet and happy.
Three suns bring prosperity, four seasons are peaceful,
Five blessings at the doorstep, six-six harmony.
Seven stars shining bright, eight treasures come from all directions,
Nine provinces with all their might, ten perfect things.
2. 婚礼祝福 Hūnlǐ zhùfú
一生一世，情比金坚，
Yīshēng yīshì, qíng bǐ jīn jiān
两心相悦，缘定今生。
Liǎng xīn xiāng yuè, yuán dìng jīnshēng.
三山五岳，四海为家，
Sānshān wǔyuè, sìhǎi wéi jiā,
五福临门，六六大顺。
Wǔfú línmén, liùliù dà shùn.
七子带喜，八方来财，
Qīzi dài xǐ, bāfāng lái cái,
九龙天行，十全十美。
Jiǔlóng tiān xíng, shíquánshíměi
Translation:
Wedding Blessing
One life, love as solid as gold,
Two hearts in harmony, fate destined for this life.
Three mountains and five peaks, home in the four seas,
Five blessings at the doorstep, six-six harmony.
Seven children bring happiness, eight treasures come from all directions,
Nine dragons soaring in the sky, ten perfect things.
3. 幸福生活 Xìngfú shēnghuó
一生一世，爱恋绵绵，
Yīshēng yīshì, àiliàn miánmián,
两心相悦，甜蜜如蜜。
Liǎng xīn xiāng yuè, tiánmì rú mì
三生有幸，四季芬芳，
Sān shēng yǒuxìng, sìjì fēnfāng,
五福临门，六六大顺。
Wǔfú línmén, liùliù dà shùn.
七彩斑斓，八方来财，
Qīcǎi bānlán, bāfāng lái cái,
九州鼎力，十全十美。
Jiǔzhōu dǐnglì, shíquánshíměi.
Translation:
Happy Life
One life, love that lasts forever,
Two hearts in harmony, sweet as honey.
Three lives are lucky, four seasons are fragrant,
Five blessings at the doorstep, six-six harmony.
Seven colors are beautiful, eight treasures come from all directions,
Nine provinces with all their might, ten perfect things.
Top five popular Traditional Chinese wedding songs:
- "The Jasmine Flower" (茉莉花), a classic folk song that is often played during Chinese weddings.
- "Happiness Together" (百年好合), a traditional Chinese wedding song that symbolizes a happy and lasting marriage.
- "The Moon Represents My Heart" (月亮代表我的心), a romantic ballad by Taiwanese singer Teresa Teng that has become a popular wedding song in China.
- "Marry Me Today" (今天妳要嫁给我), a popular love song by Taiwanese singer David Tao that is often played at Chinese weddings.
- "Dragon and Phoenix" (龍鳳呈祥), a traditional Chinese wedding song that represents the union of a bride and groom and the harmony between the two families.
In conclusion, Chinese weddings in Melaka are a rich and colorful blend of customs and traditions that have been passed down through generations. Each ritual has its own unique significance, and the recitation of traditional poems adds a touch of elegance and grace to the proceedings.
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