(reproduced from http://www.shaolin.org/video-clips-4/chun-nga-wedding/ceremony-overview.html)

Getting the Bride

Winning the Bride’s heart is more a battle of wits than a battle of might. So the Bridegroom, with the support of his warriors, sings a love song. This isn’t enough. He has to demonstrate his willingness to sacrifice for the Bride. He drinks an ominous-looking drink, which turns out to be something sweet. This isn’t enough. He is given another drink, but a Warrior gallantly drinks it for him, and it turns out to be sweet, sour, bitter and spicy all in one, symbolizing that the Bridegroom is willing to go through all difficulties for the Bride.

The Bride’s defenders ask on behalf of the bride what the Bridegroom is think of. What else besides, “I love you”. The Bridegroom also brings some gifts for the Bride’s defenders, all enclosed in a big red packet. Eventually the Bridegroom wins the Bride.

(reproduced from http://www.shaolin.org/video-clips-4/chun-nga-wedding/videos/wedding04.html)

Asking for the Bride

The Bridegroom and his Warriors arrive at the Bride’s house. The beautiful Bride waits patiently but her Defenders are determined to prevent the inevitable conquest. At a most auspicious time, the Bridegroom leads the conquest to the Bride’s bastion. The door is locked. A formidable Warrior threatens to break down the wall, if not the door.

(reproduced from http://www.shaolin.org/video-clips-4/chun-nga-wedding/ceremony-overview.html)

Going to Bride’s Home

On the morning of the wedding, the Shaolin Warriors arrive early to accompany the Bridegroom on his journey to take the Bride home. The parents help the Bridegroom put on his best clothes. They then lead the Bridegroom by hand onward to his journey.

On arrival at the Bride’s house, the conquering party is met be a young boy who opens the door of the Bridegroom’s carriage. The Bridegroom is offered some sweet drink to sweeten his mouth and to bring sweet things to come. The conquering Warriors are well fed so that they are ready for the battle to break through the Bride’s defence.

(reproduced from http://www.shaolin.org/video-clips-4/chun-nga-wedding/ceremony-overview.html)

The Night Before the Wedding at the Bride’s Home

The ceremonies at the Bride’s side are similar to those at the Bridegroom’s side. The Bride’s parents pray to Heaven and Earth to thank all the Gods for their blessings. The Bride thanks the Gods for a good husband.

The parents comb the Bride’s hair three times, the first combing signifying the marriage will be perfect and lasting, the second combing signifying the Bride and Bridegroom will have long lives, and the third combing signifying they will have a lot of children and grand children.

The parents then feed the Bride symbolizing the years of bringing her up. The Bride then feeds the parents and elders symbolizing her gratitude for their love and care.