A Brief Explanation of the Six Rites in Ancient Times
The Six Rites refer to the processes of asking for names, establishing a betrothal, presenting gifts, delivering a bride price, requesting a date, and welcoming the bride. They are the procedures involved in ancient marriage ceremonies.
These rites are also items that a date selection master would consider when choosing an auspicious date. However, due to changes over time, many items have been combined or even eliminated, so it is sufficient for everyone to have a general understanding of their meanings.
Asking for Names: This involves the matchmaker sending the names and birth dates of the bride and groom to each other. After lighting incense to report to their ancestors and placing it on their family altar for three days, if both sides are safe and sound, it is considered that they have passed this first step and can continue discussing marriage matters.
Establishing Betrothal: This means engagement and involves a ceremony where rings are exchanged. Typically on this day before leaving home, the groom will light incense to report to his ancestors in hopes of smooth proceedings. The items prepared include a pair of rings and a small amount of bride price; hence it is also referred to as “small engagement” or “minor betrothal.”
Presenting Gifts: This is the day when the groom sends fabric to the bride’s family for making her wedding dress. In modern terms, this could be likened to the groom buying new clothes and shoes for the bride while she buys a suit for him.
Delivering Bride Price: This refers to the day when the groom presents bride price to the bride’s family. Due to its substantial amount, it is also called “major engagement” or “large betrothal,” marking the beginning of preparations before marriage.
Requesting Date: This is when the groom sends details regarding their wedding date to the bride’s family. Typically, the bride’s side will consult other date selection masters for confirmation that this date does not pose any issues for their family before sending it back through a matchmaker; this process is known as reviewing dates
and serves as an important prelude in finalizing wedding dates.
Welcoming Bride: This refers to the day when they welcome the bride into her new home; it is essentially wedding day.
by – Date Selection Arena