{"id":1278,"date":"2022-06-16T01:09:06","date_gmt":"2022-06-16T01:09:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.trulychinese.com\/blog\/?p=1278"},"modified":"2022-06-16T04:24:08","modified_gmt":"2022-06-16T04:24:08","slug":"the-ultimate-guide-to-chinese-engagement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.trulychinese.com\/blog\/the-ultimate-guide-to-chinese-engagement\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate Guide to Chinese Engagement"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A quick search on Google or social media sites of the phrase ‘Ting Hun<\/em>‘ and you’ll find pictures straight out of a Kevin Kwan book. The bright red color palette and overall opulent details have a beautiful, contemporary novel setting-ish feel<\/a> to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But what exactly is a Ting Hun<\/em>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a <\/strong>Ting Hun<\/em><\/strong>?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A Ting Hun <\/em>(or \u8ba2\u5a5a D\u00ecngh\u016bn) is a pre-wedding tradition observed by soon-to-wed Chinese couples. During this significant event, the bride and groom’s families get together to officially acknowledge the upcoming union of the pair and their clans. In essence, it serves as the engagement’s formal ceremony.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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While the traditional Chinese engagement ceremony varies among couples, there are pretty common rituals performed during the event nonetheless. These practices include the tea ceremony, presentation of gifts, and picking a promising wedding date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What happens during the <\/strong>Ting Hun<\/em><\/strong> Ceremony?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Ting Hun<\/em> is an ideal time for a soon-to-wed couple to express their respect for each other and readiness to honor each other’s families and traditions. It represents their enthusiasm to start a life together and the certainty that they can (and will) support each other emotionally and financially.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re here to reconnect and honor your heritage by having your own Chinese engagement ceremony, our complete guide below should help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The rituals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

1. Groom carries two bouquets<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

A procession led by the groom, bearing two bouquets or a box of corsage, commences the Ting Hun<\/em>. Then, four guy friends or relatives of the groom follow, with each pair carrying a four-layered bamboo box filled with fruits, herbs, jewelry, etc. This thing is called Sin Na<\/em> (Chinese for ‘gift’), which signifies prosperity and happiness for the couple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Bride walks backward<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

In a Ting Hun<\/em>, would-be brides<\/a> enter the room by walking backward. They are typically assisted by their moms or any woman who will be a great role model to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The backward walking part is essential as it shields her from any negativity. It’s also her way of facing whatever bad luck that may come their way head-on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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via Joel H. Garcia Photography<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Afterward, a married, wealthy, and healthy woman must turn the bride three times before she’s finally allowed to meet the groom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Exchange of gifts<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Ting Hun<\/em> is also famous for exchanging gifts between couples and their families. Parents typically give future in-laws any material present, which may vary depending on their financial capabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether they’re luxurious gifts like jewelry or simple presents like tea cups or pots, what matters in gift exchanges is the meaning behind them. Here are some standard ones:<\/p>\n\n\n\n