Traditional Wedding Customs in Taiwan

Taiwanese weddings beautifully blend traditional Chinese customs with modern influences and local Taiwanese elements. Here are the key traditional practices:

1. Proposal & Betrothal (Guo Da Li)

• The groom’s family sends gifts (including money, jewelry, and symbolic items like tea, wine, and sweets) to the bride’s family.

• The bride’s family responds with gifts for the groom’s side.

• This formal exchange signifies the families’ approval and agreement.

2. Ancestor Worship

• Both families perform rituals to inform their ancestors about the marriage.

• This is considered very important for respect and good fortune.

3. Bride’s Dowry & Groom’s Gifts

• The bride brings a dowry (furniture, bedding, jewelry) to the groom’s home.

• The groom gives the bride “pin jin” (betrothal money) in a red envelope.

4. Wedding Day Rituals

• Hair Combing Ceremony: Both bride and groom have their hair combed by a “fortunate woman” (with living parents, spouse, and children) to symbolize a happy married life.

• Tea Ceremony: The couple serves tea to parents and elders, who give them red envelopes (hong bao) with money and blessings in return.

• Door Games: The groom and groomsmen must complete fun challenges set by the bridesmaids to “rescue” the bride.

5. Banquet & Celebrations

• A large wedding banquet with multiple courses is held, often in the evening.

• The couple changes outfits (usually including a white wedding dress and a traditional red qipao/cheongsam).

• Guests give hong bao (red envelopes with money).

6. Post-Wedding Customs

• The bride returns to her parents’ home after a few days (sometimes with the groom) to show respect.

Modern Taiwanese weddings often mix these traditions with Western-style ceremonies (church or beach weddings), but the tea ceremony and ancestor respect remain very important.