RETURN & DOWRY GIFTS
Return Gifts (回礼)
Upon receipt of the betrothal gifts from the groom, the bride’s family reciprocates the generous gesture by returning a portion of the gifts. This plays a significant role in suggesting that the groom’s family is overly generous, that the bride’s family is not greedy, and most importantly, that the two families will share their good fortune.
There should also be gifts from the bride’s family with blessing for the couple’s continued happiness and prosperity in marriage – a new suit or materials for their new son-in-law; a belt, symbolizing the couple’s long-lasting union in marriage. These items can also be replaced with Red Packet instead.
Bride’s Dowry (嫁妆)
The dowry represents the wealth and prosperity of the bride’s family and is also a firm display of the bride’s family’s love for their daughter. It encases within the blessings for their daughter and future son-in-law.
The bride’s parents may include the bride’s dowry with the return gifts on the day of betrothal or deliver the dowry a few days before the wedding. The Chinese dowry typically include – beddings such as pillows, bolsters, comforter set, blankets, bed sheets, etc., all tied with red ribbons;
- tea set for the wedding tea ceremony at Groom’s house;
- 5 pieces descendant pail set ( baby bathtub, potty, face washbasin, tray, mug )
- two pairs of red wooden clogs wedding slippers or bedroom slippers;
- sewing basket with even numbered rolls of colourful thread, needles, pincushion, scissors, etc
- gold jewellery given by bride’s parents.