臺灣文化「譯」起讀

Introduction

In Taiwan, wedding is very important in a person’s lifetime. Different countries have different traditions of wedding. Different traditions have different cultural meanings. This article introduces three important traditions of wedding in Taiwan, such as 1) throwing a paper fan, 2) playing the games on the wedding day, and 3) returning to the bride’s home.

1. Throwing a Paper Fan

On the wedding day, the matchmaker and the bridegroom will visit the bride’s home together. They need to take the bride to the home of the bridegroom. The bride must throw out a paper fan when leaving her home. This tradition means that the bride throws her bad temper away. By doing this, the bride does not bring her bad temper to the bridegroom’s house. In addition, the bride cannot turn to look at her parents. This tradition means that the bride needs to be independent. At the same time, setting off firecrackers shows the arrival of good luck, for the bride’s family.

2. Playing the Games of Wedding

After the wedding banquet, some relatives and friends will play some games with the newlyweds. The purpose of the games is to create a happy atmosphere. This custom is called “Playing the games on the wedding day.” The lively atmosphere will not make the bride feel lonely. When the game is more intense, people will be happier. However, the game cannot be too extreme. In short, friends and relatives play games with newlyweds to express their congratulations.

3. Returning to the Bride’s Home

Three days after the wedding, the bride’s parents will invite the bridegroom and the bride to go back home. The parents will serve a big meal to the bridegroom and the bride, at their home. This tradition is called “Returning to the Bride’s Home.” When the newlyweds reach home, they need to greet the bride’s parents, families and relatives. They need to send gifts to the bride’s family. The gifts are often cakes and fruits. If they are rich, they send wine, bacon and costly things. The bridegroom is often regarded as the most important guest, so he must be the first person to eat food. The family and relatives use this opportunity to evaluate the bridegroom. According to Taiwanese traditions, if the newlyweds return to their own home before sunset, the bride can give birth to a son. In summary, the ceremony has some cultural meanings: 1) The bride cannot forget her own parents; 2) This Taiwanese tradition can strengthen the relationship between bridegroom and bride’s parents.