There are many particular customs in the wedding ceremony of the Manchu ethnic group,which has a long,splendid history.Most of the customs are similar in the different places that the ethnic group lives throughout China.
A wedding ceremony usually consists of five steps:visiting the future daughter-in-law,giving small gifts,giving betrothal gifts,holding the wedding ceremony,and returning to the parents-in-law.
When a young man and woman fall in love with each other,the man's mother goes to the woman's home to have a good look at her and learn about her family's way of life.If she is satisfied with everything,the man's mother gives her future daughter-in-law a present,which means their marriage is fixed.
A couple of days before their marriage,the man's side delivers generous betrothal gifts,including clothes,jewelry,cash,etc.,to his future wife.And the day before their marriage,accompanied by the maid of the honor,the woman is sent to a house near the man's home,which has been reserved for her.The next day the man goes there to escort her to the wedding.This custom originated in the Qing Dynasty(1644-1911),when soldiers from the Manchu ethnic group were out at war for years and seldom went home.Thus the bride got married to her soldier husband at the camp,and the day before the wedding ceremony,she would stay at a house near the camp.As time went on,the custom was passed down.
The wedding ceremony lasts for three days.The first day,called"killing pigs,"is for preparation work,such as killing pigs and chickens,borrowing dishware etc.The second day is called"walking the sedan chair."In the afternoon,a bridal sedan chair is carried out to circle the village and then return home.Meanwhile,the groom worships his ancestors at the grave.The third day is for the wedding ceremony.
