The intricate web of Chinese traditions weaves a beautiful tapestry of love, honour, and respect - and the Guo Da Li ceremony is one of its most vibrant threads.
But in these modern times, many young couples may find themselves overwhelmed with the elements that bound the ceremony.
The Pine Garden has helped generations of Singaporean couples celebrate this traditional ceremony with our cakes and pastries. Let us help you demystify the elements of this Chinese betrothal ceremony with this brief guide. Read on below!
The Guo Da Li (过大礼) is a crucial pre-wedding Chinese tradition.
The betrothal ceremony signifies the formal acceptance of the bride into the groom's family, following which the wedding invitations are sent. Thus, it is a must that the parents of both the bride and the groom are present.
While the Guo Da Li is steeped in tradition and holds significant cultural value, its inclusion in contemporary Chinese weddings varies.
Some couples may choose to uphold the ceremony for its cultural significance or to honour family traditions, while others may opt for a simplified version or skip it entirely. The decision ultimately lies with the couple and their families.
Image by: Changjiu, a specialist in traditional Chinese wedding essentials
Guo Da Li usually occurs 2-4 weeks before the actual wedding day.
Choosing the date is done with the help of a Feng Shui master or a Chinese calendar expert to ensure that the chosen date aligns with the couple's Chinese zodiac signs, birth dates, and other astrological influences to bring about good luck and harmony.
Accompanied by the groom's elder female relative with good fortune, the groom's family will present the bride's family with a variety of Guo Da Li items.
These usually include Chinese traditional pastries called xi bing (喜饼), oranges, a pair of dragon and phoenix candles, betrothal gift money or the bride's dowry, and a gift box known as Li Jing He (礼金盒).
These traditional pastries symbolise the groom's gratitude to the bride's parents for having raised and taken care of her over the years.
Considered auspicious in Chinese culture, they are given to symbolise a fruitful and abundant union.
The pair of candles represents the harmonious union of the bride and groom, signifying their future marital bliss.
Also known as Li Shi or Pin Jin, this represents the groom's sincerity and ability to provide for the bride. It is also seen as a gesture of gratitude to the bride's family for raising and taking care of their daughter.
Other items may also be included depending on the couple, like double happiness stickers that represent the couple's shared joy and future happiness.
Depending on the couple, other items may also be includes like double happiness stickers that represent the couple's shared joy and future happiness.
The Hui Li, or the 'returning of gifts' is another significant part of the ceremony that shows the bride's parents and family's acceptance of the groom as part of the family and the bond between the two families.
Typically, they will gift the groom a watch, cufflinks or wallet with a red packet and a portion of the gifts they received from him.
The Si Dian Jin, literally 'four pieces of gold,' is a set of gold jewellery given by the groom's mother to the bride. This gift symbolises the groom's family's acceptance of the bride and their promise to care for her.
Picture this: You find yourself amid preparations for your upcoming Guo Da Li ceremony, and the list of items to organise seems to grow with each passing minute.
Fortunately, there's one element you can cross off your worries list - Guo Da Li cakes and pastries!
Our Guo Da Li cakes at The Pine Garden are tailor-made for every part of the ceremony. They are shared during the hui li, symbolising unity and harmony, and savoured during the wedding tea ceremony, adding a delectable touch to the festivities.
Start the journey to your wedding with a sweet tune!
Our wedding cakes and pastries are always made fresh, so make sure to order 7 days in advance to ensure availability.