Chinese wedding Traditions and Jewelries, Jewelry Inspiration

Before I start my article, here is an eye-opening video of different marriage traditions of varies ethnic groups in China. China has 56 ethnic groups, among which 91.59% are Han, and the rest 8.41% are people of the other 55 ethnic groups(according to the Fifth National Population Census of the People’s Republic of China in 2000). Different ethnic groups have different customs. In Chinese history, the ethnic group of the ruling party accounts for the etiquette across the country. For example, during Qing Dynasty, the ruling family is Man ethnic group(满族), thus the costume style and accessory style, as well as the customs they practice all go according to Man traditions.

Video source: YouTube channel no009<Documentary-Amazing Marriage Customs-China Anthropology 101> Published on 25th October 2013

To stick to my topic of jewelry, let’s look at the accessory aspect of these wedding traditions.

5’15”–“Usually bride’s veil is lifted after the ceremony, but here the bride uncovers her face before the ceremony starts. That is when the bride and the groom first set eye on each other.”The red veil is a tradition and rule in ancient China, which also contains the element of surprise–although back then it probably wasn’t the main purpose.

33’14”–The Ainis of Xishuangbanna, is a branch of Hani ethnic group.  34’35”–Their costumes are designed to show off their most important features. They use silver, ribbon and lace, as well as nature objects such as flower seeds, shells, and even beetles. The girls will process the beetles before wearing them on hair. When girl reaches the age of 18, she wears yellow cap; married girls wear black caps.(Use accessory to represent their status and identity)

1:09’30” when Ethinc group Miao(苗族) girls and guys are looking for partner, the boys will blow Sheng(芦笙), a traditional music instrument, while the girls dance around them. If a girl likes a boy, she will put her necklace onto the his Sheng.  Miao people adore and are professional in silver jewelries because the region is abundant in silver. Even to date, many Chinese people and tourist of other countries visit Miao district and purchase silver accessories. During wedding day, Miao girls wear a great amount of silver jewelries on them, usually the more the merrier, to show the good blessing.

Miao girls during a Miao style wedding image source: http://www.wed114.cn/baike/z4017.html last access 1st September 2016
Miao girls during a Miao style wedding
image source: http://www.wed114.cn/baike/z4017.html
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Miao girl on wedding day image source: http://www.zjqqsp.cn/a/2016/0824/488810.html last access 1st September 2016
Miao girl on wedding day
image source: http://www.zjqqsp.cn/a/2016/0824/488810.html
last access 1st September 2016
DIfferent types of Miao style silver jewelries image source: http://www.dili360.com/cng/article/p5350c3da36ca165.htm last access 1st September 2016
DIfferent types of Miao style silver jewelries
image source: http://www.dili360.com/cng/article/p5350c3da36ca165.htm
last access 1st September 2016
Details on a Miao style silver necklace image source: http://bbs.3miao.net/thread-85865-1-1.html Photographer:秋诗意 last access 1st September 2016
Details on a Miao style silver necklace
image source: http://bbs.3miao.net/thread-85865-1-1.html
Photographer:秋诗意
last access 1st September 2016

However, Miao is only a minority ethnic group in China. Majority of the Chinese nowadays are Han people, which traditionally uses gold jewelries, red wedding gowns, etc, as we seen in many Chinese movies and drama.

Nowadays there are still some jewelry related traditions in Chinese wedding.

For example, in Cantonese traditions, there is hair combing ceremony(梳头shutou). Hair combing session expressed the bless of female family members to the couple:

一梳、梳到尾(First combing, blessed to be together to the end)

二梳、百年好合(Second combing, blessing for a hundred years of harmony in your marriage)

三梳、子孙满堂(Third combing, be blessed with a houseful of children and grandchildren)

四梳、白发齐眉(Fourth combing, be blessed with longevity)

A sweet dessert soup containing pink glutinous-rice balls(汤圆pinyin: tangyuan, Cantonese:tongyuhn) is served after the hair combing ceremony to wish the couple a complete and sweet marriage.

 

In Teochew traditions, 四点金si dian jin(four pieces of gold)is an important part of betrothal gift to the bride. Usually the four pieces of gold jewelries are necklace, a pendent or ring, a pair of earrings and a bangle. It is selected by the groom’s mother and is presented to the bride durng the tea ceremony(when the groom arrives at bride’s house to fetch her).Usually, the design of the Si Dian Jin is cloud patterns, phoenix, dragon, and some suapicious floral designs, indicating that the groom and bride are heavenly couple like dragon and phoenix (龙凤配)。

Si Dian Jin id the name of a traditional architecture style, a four-pointed curved roof found in traditional homes. The jewelries symbolizes a blissful union in a secure home.

Si Dian Jin by Poh Heng image source: https://singaporebrides.com/articles/2010/10/poh-heng-si-dian-jin-with-a-touch-of-today/ last access 1st September 2016
Si Dian Jin by Poh Heng
image source: https://singaporebrides.com/articles/2010/10/poh-heng-si-dian-jin-with-a-touch-of-today/
last access 1st September 2016
Si Dian Jin architecture Si Dian Jin architectures are designed in a symmetrical fashion, overall architecture is squarish, with no windows open to external space, image source and more details of the architecture: http://www.baike.com/wiki/%E5%9B%9B%E7%82%B9%E9%87%91 last access 1st September 2016
Si Dian Jin architecture
Si Dian Jin architectures are designed in a symmetrical fashion, overall architecture is squarish, with no windows open to external space,
image source and more details of the architecture:
http://www.baike.com/wiki/%E5%9B%9B%E7%82%B9%E9%87%91
last access 1st September 2016

Gold jewelries with red wedding gowns create a very vivid, vibrant and auspicious atmosphere in Chinese wedding. Red is for joyful occasions in the culture, and gold is a symbol of wealth, fortune. In fact gold jewelries are still so popular during wedding in modern China, as a way to respect to customs, also a way to show off wealth. In some part of GuangDong province in China, “Golden Bride” has become increasingly popular. On the wedding day, the bride is adorned with excessive gold jewelries such as necklaces, bracelets, bangles, rings, ankle chains, etc. From far the bride would look like a girl made of gold, thus is called “golden bride”. Besides showing off the wealth, this also symbolizes “locking up” the bride so the bride will not run away and will be obedient in the groom’s family.

Host with the Golden Bride Image source: http://entertainments.dwnews.com/news/2016-01-11/59709851.html last access 1st September 2016
Host with the Golden Bride
Image source: http://entertainments.dwnews.com/news/2016-01-11/59709851.html
Host: Bob Lin Shengbin, image from weibo
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Golden Bride in Guangdong Shunde Image source: http://focus.21cn.com/sns/a/2014/1214/21/28727145.shtml last access 1st September 2016
Golden Bride in Guangdong Shunde
Image source: http://focus.21cn.com/sns/a/2014/1214/21/28727145.shtml
last access 1st September 2016

 

Golden Bride in Guangdong Shunde Image source: http://focus.21cn.com/sns/a/2014/1214/21/28727145.shtml last access 1st September 2016
Golden Bride in Guangdong Shunde
Image source: http://focus.21cn.com/sns/a/2014/1214/21/28727145.shtml
last access 1st September 2016

As we can see here, the gold bangles are wore as necklece on the bride. The accessories are not meant to make the bride visually beautiful anymore, it is a mean to show wealth, to attract auspicious vibes, even the jewelries may not make the girl look objectively prettier or elegant. The family just pile up everything they can onto the girl, to make her look burdened, clumsy, as they believe this is good for the marriage.

The double joy“囍”

Image source: http://pic.qiantucdn.com/58pic/11/01/29/62d58PICqP2.jpg last access 1st September 2016
Image source: http://pic.qiantucdn.com/58pic/11/01/29/62d58PICqP2.jpg
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Image source: http://www.58pic.com/shiliangtu/21417767.html last access 1st September 2016
Image source: http://www.58pic.com/shiliangtu/21417767.html
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The double joy character is so iconic and recognizable that one sight you know it is a Chinese style wedding. You can find countless different designs of the double joy on internet. During Chinese New Year, Chinese families paste inverted “福(good vibes)” in and outside their house. During Chinese weddings, Chinese families paste 囍. Although it is not a piece of jewelry in wedding, it could be cooperated into the elements of jewelries.

reference:

SINGAPOREBRIDES.com https://singaporebrides.com/articles/2000/11/combing-the-hair-and-other-chinese-wedding-traditions/ last access 1st September 2016

Weddingplannersingapore.net http://weddingplannersingapore.net/wedding-planning-101/traditional-chinese-wedding-guide/hair-combing-ritual-shang-tou/ last access 1st September 2016

Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_pre-wedding_customs last access 1st September 2016

 


Gold, dragons, phoenix, all these elements can clearly show the sense of “Chinese”. However, it also shows some cliche, and may not be suitable for younger generation. Take myself as an example, I would not wear a gold accessory with dragon and phoenix because it makes me look outdated, old-fashioned, and overly mature. If I want my designs to be accepted by younger generation who pursuit fashion and style, the jewelry must not look “old”. It can have the elements of traditional Chinese style but it should not look totally traditional–in other words, it should express tradition in a modern way. All the wedding jewelries and Si Dian Jin available now in jewelry shops are meant to be worn during wedding, not as a fashion accessory, which is a challenge that I want to overcome.


Here is some jewelry brand and design that I personally like. They may not be very relevant to the idea of traditional Chinese style but they can give me inspirations on jewelry designs, sensual designs, and how jewelries can make the owner pretty, elegant, or sexy, instead of just being a beautiful jewelry itself. The act of wearing the jewelry pieces can bring both the jewelry and the person alive. I admire how they combine different texture or material together, each brand has its own unique style and characteristics, and how they complement user’s overall aura.

Suzanne Kalan-https://suzannekalan.com/

I am really in love with how Suzanne Kalan uses asymmetrical and organic shapes to make delicate and think-out-of-box kind of designs.

Image source: http://idazzle.com/2015/03/26/diamonds-with-a-story-new-designer-collections-from-dawes-design-sandy-leong-suzanne-kalan-and-matthew-campbell-laurenza/ last access 1st September 2016
Image source: http://idazzle.com/2015/03/26/diamonds-with-a-story-new-designer-collections-from-dawes-design-sandy-leong-suzanne-kalan-and-matthew-campbell-laurenza/
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Image source: net-a-porter.com last access 1st September 2016
Image source: net-a-porter.com
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Delfina Delettrez-http://www.delfinadelettrez.com/

Delfina Delettrez is very quirky, the jewelry incorporate daring motifs such as eyes, lips, skeletons, to instantly add characteristics to the wearer, and add fun elements to plain outfit.

image source: net-a-porter.com last access 1st September 2016
image source: net-a-porter.com
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Delfina Delettrez on Katy Perry Image source: http://jewelrista.com/blog/2014/11/30/delfina-delettrez-italian-jewelry-designer/ last access 1st September 2016
Delfina Delettrez on Katy Perry
Image source: http://jewelrista.com/blog/2014/11/30/delfina-delettrez-italian-jewelry-designer/
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Jennifer Meyerhttp://jennifermeyer.com/

Jennifer Meyer has amazing details in her designs. Although the designs are simple and small, they are extremely elegant and sexy. Very fine diamond paved pendant with turquoise instantly attract people’s attention. The striking color of the natural material combined with gold gives a high class yet casual feeling.

image source: http://www.forbes.com/sites/barrysamaha/2015/11/10/jewelry-designer-jennifer-meyer-debuts-fashion-line-at-barneys-new-york/#2c49623d5bf5 last access 1st September 2016
image source: http://www.forbes.com/sites/barrysamaha/2015/11/10/jewelry-designer-jennifer-meyer-debuts-fashion-line-at-barneys-new-york/#2c49623d5bf5
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Jennifer Meyer on Cara Delevingne image source: http://www.fashionnstyle.com/articles/64652/20150617/cara-delevingne-wears-jennifer-meyer-evil-eye-necklace-in-new-york-city.htm last access 1st September 2016
Jennifer Meyer on Cara Delevingne
image source: http://www.fashionnstyle.com/articles/64652/20150617/cara-delevingne-wears-jennifer-meyer-evil-eye-necklace-in-new-york-city.htm
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image source: net-a-porter.com last access 1st September 2016
image source: net-a-porter.com
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image source: net-a-porter.com last access 1st September 2016
image source: net-a-porter.com
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IPPOLITAhttp://www.ippolita.com/

Ippolita makes great use of different gems and its intriguing light reflection characteristics. The designs are so fancy because of the transparency of the stones, and the range of colors in one design. Weither is contrasting color or similar tones, they are all so well combined to please one’s eye. The precious gem and their light transparency make the jewelry “breathable”, visually light, and gives the atmosphere of delight.

Image source: https://cdnd.lystit.com/photos/f58f-2014/08/08/ippolita-gold-rock-candy-marrakesh-semi-precious-multi-stone-18k-yellow-gold-gelato-link-bracelet-product-1-22321988-1-652632265-normal.jpeg last access 1st September 2016
Image source: https://cdnd.lystit.com/photos/f58f-2014/08/08/ippolita-gold-rock-candy-marrakesh-semi-precious-multi-stone-18k-yellow-gold-gelato-link-bracelet-product-1-22321988-1-652632265-normal.jpeg
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Image source: http://austin.culturemap.com/news/fashion/11-25-13-neiman-marcus-ken-downing-holiday-gifts/slideshow/#slide=0 last access 1st September 2016
Image source: http://austin.culturemap.com/news/fashion/11-25-13-neiman-marcus-ken-downing-holiday-gifts/slideshow/#slide=0
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image source: neta-porter.com last access 1st September 2016
image source: neta-porter.com
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image source: net-a-porter.com last access 1st September 2016
image source: net-a-porter.com
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Image source:http://www.arizonafoothillsmagazine.com/events/details/1873-meet-acclaimed-jewelry-designer-ippolita.html last access 1st September 2016
Image source:http://www.arizonafoothillsmagazine.com/events/details/1873-meet-acclaimed-jewelry-designer-ippolita.html
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image source: http://www.articlesweb.org/beauty/geared-up-with-some-frosting last access 1st September 2016
image source: http://www.articlesweb.org/beauty/geared-up-with-some-frosting
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REPOSSI-http://www.repossi.com/

Fine curvy lines with micro paved diamond simply makes an haute-couture, high-fashion kind of statement. The design is so delicate that it maximize the elegance and sexiness of human body. The design is also very visually light, emphasizes all the desirable female traits. Of course, diamonds are girls’ best friends.

image source: https://www.pinterest.com/standardstylejp/repossi/ last access 1st September 2016
image source: https://www.pinterest.com/standardstylejp/repossi/
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image source: http://habituallychic.luxury/2014/07/really-liking-repossi/ last access 1st September 2016
image source: http://habituallychic.luxury/2014/07/really-liking-repossi/
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Stephen Websterhttp://www.stephenwebster.com/

Stephen Webster have wild and brave designs. The designs always take inspirations from fairy tales, animals, plants, and the designer is not afraid of using bold colors. It has Disney Story collections, sea creature collections. The designs are very recognizable, with designers’ great master over colored stones, the ombre designs are so well paved that you almost cant realize that they are individual embed stones. Every his design looks like having a story to tell.

Stephen Webster ring designed based on Snow white story image source: http://www.brides.com/wedding-jewelry/fashion-rings/Hollywood-is-having-a-fairytale-moment-Heres-how-to-2000000001746147 last access 1st September 2016
Stephen Webster ring designed based on Snow white story
image source: http://www.brides.com/wedding-jewelry/fashion-rings/Hollywood-is-having-a-fairytale-moment-Heres-how-to-2000000001746147
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Stephen Webster Collection Seven deadly sins rings-Rage image resource: http://www.polyvore.com/stephen_webster_collection_seven_deadly/thing?id=26490009 last access 1st September 2016
Stephen Webster Collection Seven deadly sins rings-Rage
image resource: http://www.polyvore.com/stephen_webster_collection_seven_deadly/thing?id=26490009
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image source: http://www.joyces-jewelry.com/stephen-webster/ last access 1st September 2016
image source: http://www.joyces-jewelry.com/stephen-webster/
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image source: http://www.joyces-jewelry.com/stephen-webster/ last access 1st September 2016
image source: http://www.joyces-jewelry.com/stephen-webster/
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KAVANT & SHARART-http://kavantandsharart.com/

I like how the designer plays the idea of void, making use of the empty space to create the lightness and tension for the jewelry. This is very prominent when the jewelries are worn, as can see from the image below, the jewelry “floats” on fingers and ears, in a very elegant and demure way. The smooth and sexy curves of the designs also make it very appealing on and off human body.

image source: http://www.thejewelleryeditor.com/jewellery/designer/kavant-sharart/ last access 1st September 2016
image source: http://www.thejewelleryeditor.com/jewellery/designer/kavant-sharart/
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image source: http://gemgossip.com/home/2014/7/14/private-viewing-of-kavant-sharart-jewelry.html last access 1st September 2016
image source: http://gemgossip.com/home/2014/7/14/private-viewing-of-kavant-sharart-jewelry.html
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image source: http://the-cave-of-wonders.blogspot.sg/2014/10/instagram-treasures-of-week-september.html last access 1st September 2016
image source: http://the-cave-of-wonders.blogspot.sg/2014/10/instagram-treasures-of-week-september.html
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Kimberly McDonaldhttp://www.kimberlymcdonald.com/

Kimberly McDonald’s jewelries are simply mesmerizing. Geode, Opal, Calcite, Aquamarine…All the fancy colored natural stones with their organic shape, sit inside the ‘halo’ of micro diamond, it is the amalgamation of disorder and order, natural and artificial. Moreover, the diamond halo sometimes are of different sizes, definitely gives me some surprise. There is some playfulness in the design, and something that is so attractive that makes me cant take my eyes off the pieces. It is almost like there is a universe in each of its jewelry.

image source: https://www.pinterest.com/jessleila/kimberly-mcdonald-jewelry/ last access 1st September 2016
image source: https://www.pinterest.com/jessleila/kimberly-mcdonald-jewelry/
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image source: http://www.ogroup.net/work/kimberly-mcdonald-creative-campaign/ last access 1st September 2016
image source: http://www.ogroup.net/work/kimberly-mcdonald-creative-campaign/
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Kimberly McDonald on Michelle Obama image source: http://www.pricescope.com/blog/michelle-obama-rocks-kimberly-mcdonald-jewelry-2013-inaugural-ball last access 1st September 2016
Kimberly McDonald on Michelle Obama
image source: http://www.pricescope.com/blog/michelle-obama-rocks-kimberly-mcdonald-jewelry-2013-inaugural-ball
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Kimberly McDonald on Cameron Diaz image source: http://www.stilpalast.ch/fashion/stylefinder/stylingtipps-f%C3%BCr-den-y-typ-425#sthash.LnonaXjz.dpbs last access 1st Septembr 2016
Kimberly McDonald on Cameron Diaz
image source: http://www.stilpalast.ch/fashion/stylefinder/stylingtipps-f%C3%BCr-den-y-typ-425#sthash.LnonaXjz.dpbs
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6a00e54fd5676f8834017c364ee13a970b-800wi

6a00e54fd5676f8834017c364ee0b4970b-800wi

Above three image all from Wearable Art Blog: http://www.wearableartblog.com/my_weblog/2013/01/kimberly-mcdonald.html last access 1st September 2016
Above three image all from Wearable Art Blog: http://www.wearableartblog.com/my_weblog/2013/01/kimberly-mcdonald.html
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Irene Neuwirthhttp://ireneneuwirth.com/

Irene Neuwirth plays a lot with colors and opals. It has some designs that are similar with Kimberly McDonald. However, Irene Neuwirth can be more youthful. One of the iconic designs is its color gradient necklaces.

image source: http://www.confashionsfromkuwait.com/2013/06/flavor-of-day-irene-neuwirth-jewelry.html last access 1st September
image source: http://www.confashionsfromkuwait.com/2013/06/flavor-of-day-irene-neuwirth-jewelry.html
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image source: http://www.wmagazine.com/fashion/accessories/2014/10/irene-neuwirth-los-angeles-store/ last access 1st September 2016
image source: http://www.wmagazine.com/fashion/accessories/2014/10/irene-neuwirth-los-angeles-store/
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image source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/52284045650888916/ last access 1st September 2016
image source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/52284045650888916/
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image source; http://jewelry.about.com/od/jewelrycareers/ss/Famous-Female-Jewelry-Designers.htm#step2 last access 1st September 2016
image source; http://jewelry.about.com/od/jewelrycareers/ss/Famous-Female-Jewelry-Designers.htm#step2
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Jacquie Aichehttp://jacquieaiche.com/

Jacquie Aiche is pure sexiness. The jewelries are so small but they speak so loud. A little bit goes a long way. Just a little details glorifies the beauty of skin and body, the subtle sparkles creates mystery and sophisticated aura.

image source: http://becauseimaddicted.net/category/jacquie-aiche last access 1st September 2016
image source: http://becauseimaddicted.net/category/jacquie-aiche
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image source: http://www.thejewelleryeditor.com/jewellery/jacquie-aiche-jewellery-sexy-bohemian-jewels-to-be-draped-across-the-body/ last access 1st September 2016
image source: http://www.thejewelleryeditor.com/jewellery/jacquie-aiche-jewellery-sexy-bohemian-jewels-to-be-draped-across-the-body/
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image source: http://www.wwtdd.com/2016/03/emily-ratajkowski-topless-jewelry-salesperson last access 1st September 2016
image source: http://www.wwtdd.com/2016/03/emily-ratajkowski-topless-jewelry-salesperson
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image source: http://honestlywtf.com/cool-hunting/jacquie-aiches-wild-things/ last access 1st September 2016
image source: http://honestlywtf.com/cool-hunting/jacquie-aiches-wild-things/
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Qeelinhttp://qeelin.com/en/home/

Qeelin is a great example of the combination of eastern elements witrh western material. Diamond is obviously not something traditional Chinese jewelry uses. However, designer uses micro pave method and put diamond onto traditional Chinese motifs, objects, such as lion-dance lion, bells, Chinese coins, Chinese lock, hulu(gourd), Chinese Zodiac. Although the subject matters are very traditional, the overall design is still versatile and fashionable, maybe due to it’s small size and the not-over-yellowish-gold color. This brand is now very popular in China and among celebrities, as it is very recognizable, youthful, playful and shows our Chinese identity.

 

 

image source: http://www.yinziji.com/jewelry/jewedesign/14025.html last access 1st September 2016
image source: http://www.yinziji.com/jewelry/jewedesign/14025.html
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image source: http://www.digitalism.ca/chinese-jewellery-brands/ last access 1st September 2016
image source: http://www.digitalism.ca/chinese-jewellery-brands/
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image source: http://robbreport.com/jewelry/celebrated-hong-kong-jewelry-designer-debuts-states last access 1st September 2016
image source: http://robbreport.com/jewelry/celebrated-hong-kong-jewelry-designer-debuts-states
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image source: http://robbreport.com/jewelry/celebrated-hong-kong-jewelry-designer-debuts-states last access 1st September 2016
image source: http://robbreport.com/jewelry/celebrated-hong-kong-jewelry-designer-debuts-states
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image source: http://www.fast-management.com/?cat=120 last access 1st September
image source: http://www.fast-management.com/?cat=120
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image source: http://qeelin.com/en/home/ last access 1st September 2016
image source: http://qeelin.com/en/home/
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image source: https://jasmineshi90.wordpress.com/tag/design/ last access 1st September 2016
image source: https://jasmineshi90.wordpress.com/tag/design/
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image source: http://qeelin.com/en/jewellery/collections/lucky-12/ last access 1st September 2016
Chinese Zodiac collection
image source: http://qeelin.com/en/jewellery/collections/lucky-12/
last access 1st September 2016

YUN YUN SUNhttp://www.yun-yun-sun.com/

 

Aimee Sun, Yun Yun Sun, is a Taiwanese Socialite and entrepreneur. She started her jewelry lines as a hobby and designs very interesting, unique pieces. My favorite collection is her Nonsense collection, as show below. She make many different sentences directly into necklace, ring, and earring. The sentences and words are far from formal. There are many necklaces from other designers says”hello””Happiness” or some popular slogan, but those are so cliche and commonly seen. I always want something more “me”, more naughty, more playful and makes deeper impression on people.  This is the collection where I found myself, find something that can represents me, not everyone. I have purchased dozens of her jewelry from nonsense collection and they do attract a lot of attentions and fun from my friends. More importantly, Yun Yun Sun uses Chinese words and sentences, which is rarely seen in any jewelry design. This brings out my Chinese identity efficiently. The Chinese sentences such as “不要一直偷看我(don’t keep peeping at me)”“有奶有脑(boobs and brain)”“我怎么可以这么美(How can I be so beautiful)” are the best statement of Chinese identity and personal characters, because obviously, the use of Chinese language and humor is all written in the small pieces.

I only date hotties
I only date hotties
I See Stupid People
I See Stupid People
92STN01-01
I Most Likely Steal Your Boyfriend
If Sex Is A Crime Lock Me Up
If Sex Is A Crime Lock Me Up
Mind Your Own Business
Mind Your Own Business
70e
Stop Staring at My Boobs

All jewelry pictures above are from yun-yun-sun.com

 

Designer Yun Yun Sun wear her jewelry"I'm Sexy And I Know It""Awesome""OMG""Huh" image source: http://fashion.ettoday.net/news/669132 last access 1st September 2016
Designer Yun Yun Sun wear her jewelry”I’m Sexy And I Know It””Awesome””OMG””Huh”
image source: http://fashion.ettoday.net/news/669132
last access 1st September 2016

Design is not copying, but design always needs inspiration. I wish I can take inspiration from modern designers and create something, as I mentioned many times, traditional yet fashionable and wearable…Although I am still currently overwhelmed by so much information and still finding my entry point..

Categories of Traditional Chinese Hair Accessories

I came across a few articles regarding the different types of hair accessories during ancient China. They more or less are same in content. Here is the brief summary of the information.

There are countless styles of hair accessories in ancient China, just like modern times. It is hard to count every single design, like we can’t give an exact number of different dress styles. Accessories always go with creativity, thus there will always be something different and new. However, all the hair accessories can be categorized into the few main categories below. As the translation of ancient Chinese language is difficult to be accurate, I will just loosely translate the names with descriptions.

 

 

笄ji(1)

1.Jade Ji 2.Han Dynasty Jade ji 3. Bone ji 4.Shang Dynasty bronze ji 5.Dragon head jade ji 6.Human head shape Jade ji
1.Jade Ji
2.Han Dynasty Jade ji
3&4 Bone ji
5.Shang Dynasty bronze ji
6.Shang Dynasty ji
7.Dragon head jade ji
8.Human head shape Jade ji
image resource: http://tieba.baidu.com/p/2708145136
last access 30th August 2016

 

Image source: Baike.com http://www.baike.com/wiki/%E7%AC%84
Image source: Baike.com
http://www.baike.com/wiki/%E7%AC%84
last access 30th August 2016

Hair pin, in the shape of a long stick. In ancient China, people use it to bun up hair. In Chinese tradition, when girls reach the age of 15, they will bun up the hair with a hair pin. As such, 笄ji is also the word for Rite of Passage for girls.

Relevant quotes from classic Chinese books in Chinese history:

<礼记。内则>:“女子十有五而笄” Book of Rites. Neize: Girls pin their hair up at the age of 15

<仪礼。士昏礼>:“女子许嫁,笄而礼之称字” Book of Etiquettes. Marriage Etiquette:  When girl is (at the age of) allowed to get married, they will put a ji to bun up hair.

 

簪zan(1)

1. Ming Dynasty Yongle year 14 Cloud and Phoenix pattern zan 2. Cloud and Phoenix pattern zan 3. Jade zan 4. Tang Dynasty Jade engraved/carved phoenix pattern zan 5. Golden flower zan 6 Empress Ci Xi's jade zan image source: http://tieba.baidu.com/p/2708145136 last access 30th August 2016
1. Ming Dynasty Yongle year 14 Cloud and Phoenix pattern zan
2. Cloud and Phoenix pattern zan
3. Jade zan
4. Tang Dynasty Jade engraved/carved phoenix pattern zan
5. Golden flower zan
6 Empress Dowager Ci Xi’s jade zan
image source: http://tieba.baidu.com/p/2708145136
last access 30th August 2016
1. Ming Dynasty Cheng Hua ruby embed golden chrysanthemum zan 2. Ming Dynasty Wan Li ruby embed rabbit zan 3. Ming Dynasty Silver rabbit pattern gold zan 4. Ming Dynasty lace gem embed phoenix zan 5. Ming Dynasty bird shape gold zan 6.Lace gem embed phoenix zan 7.Agate Buddha mudra gold zan 8.Ming Dynasty gem embed spider shape gold zan image source: http://tieba.baidu.com/p/2708145136 last access 30th August 2016
1. Ming Dynasty Cheng Hua ruby embed golden chrysanthemum zan
2. Ming Dynasty Wan Li ruby embed rabbit zan
3. Ming Dynasty Silver rabbit pattern gold zan
4. Ming Dynasty lace gem embed phoenix zan
5. Ming Dynasty bird shape gold zan
6.Lace gem embed phoenix zan
7.Agate Buddha mudra gold zan
8.Ming Dynasty gem embed spider shape gold zan
image source: http://tieba.baidu.com/p/2708145136
last access 30th August 2016
1.Early Ming Dynasty jade dragon head "Xi(happiness)" zan 2. Ming Dynasty Buddhist Monk's staff zan 3. Ming Dynasty gem embed butterflies and flowers zan image source: http://tieba.baidu.com/p/2708145136 last access 30th August 2016
1.Early Ming Dynasty jade dragon head “Xi(happiness)” zan
2. Ming Dynasty Buddhist Monk’s staff zan
3. Ming Dynasty gem embed butterflies and flowers zan
image source: http://tieba.baidu.com/p/2708145136
last access 30th August 2016
1. Ming Dynasty suet jade ruby and sapphire embed butterflies and flowers zan inpair 2. Qing Dynasty Enamel painted flower zan 3. Pearl and gem embed zan 4. Kingfisher zan image source: http://tieba.baidu.com/p/2708145136 last access 30th August 2016
1. Ming Dynasty suet jade ruby and sapphire embed butterflies and flowers zan inpair
2. Qing Dynasty Enamel painted flower zan
3. Pearl and gem embed zan
4. Kingfisher zan
image source: http://tieba.baidu.com/p/2708145136
last access 30th August 2016

簪Zan is developed from 笄ji, and the usage is almost the same as ji. It is usually made of gold, jade, tusk, bone, tortoiseshell, etc. It can also be used to scratch one’s scalp.

Since Shang Dynasty(1600BC-1046BC), Chinese started to use zan. It serves two purposes, firstly is to set hair bun or, secondly is for decoration. It can be used by both men and women. In ancient China, there are rules that criminals are not allowed to use zan. Emperor’s wives if commit any offence are also banned from using zan. So, zan also is a symbol of dignity.

In Neolithic times(Neo stoneage), until Shang&Zhou Dynasty(1600B.C-256B.C), zan is mainly made of bones. SInce Han Dynasty(202BC-220AD), ivory zan, jade zan, gem embed zan started to emerge. During Tang Dynasty(618-907AD), Song Dynasty(960-1279AD) and Yuan Dynasty(1271-1368AD), the use of precious materials such as gold, silver, jade became prevalent, The techniques also improved a lot to create more delicate and sophisticated designs.

The head of zan(the decorative end of zan)is commonly seen with the motifs of plants, animals, geometric shapes, or other home objects. Most of the designs have auspicious meanings. Sometimes gems such as jade, enamel, coral, pearls are embed into the designs. The use of zan is also strictly going according one’s social status. The best and most rare materials are always used by royalties. Dragon, phoenix motifs are exclusively for royal family, specifically, the Emperor, Queen Consort to Consorts, Empress Dowager.

As mentioned above, zan can be used functionally and/or decoratively. For function use, zan is used in the same way as ji, where it is inserted into the bun to stabilize hair. For decorative purpose,  it can be used in more versatile ways, in different parts of the head.

Relevant quotes from classic Chinese books and poem in Chinese history:

<后汉书。舆服志>:“黄金龙首衔白珠,鱼须擿(zhi4),长一尺,为簪珥。” <Book of Later Han.Travel and Dress>: Golden dragon head with white pearl embed in mouth, Fish Beard pin, (apprx) 23cm l0ng, is the zan and the jade earrings .

杜甫<望春>:“白头搔更短,浑欲不胜簪”<Spring view>by Du Fu: My white hair is even scarier with scratching, and can barely hold a hairpin(zan). (translation: https://eastasiastudent.net/china/classical/du-fu-spring-view/, last access 30th Ausgust 2016)

 

钗chai(1)

1. Jin Dynasty peacock shape jade chai 2. Copper -nickel alloy chai 3. Gem embed gold chai 4. Ming Dynasty infant playing with lotus flower chai 5. Dragon head chai image source: http://tieba.baidu.com/p/2708145136 last access 30th 2016
1. Jin Dynasty peacock shape jade chai
2. Copper -nickel alloy chai
3. Gem embed gold chai
4. Ming Dynasty infant playing with lotus flower chai
5. Dragon head chai
image source: http://tieba.baidu.com/p/2708145136
last access 30th August 2016

钗chai basically is two 簪zan combined together, it is used to hold hair, or can be used to pin the hat on hair. Zan always have two pins, or sticks, instead of just one pin. Zan is not only an accessory but also a symbol of love, probably because it is in pair. In ancient China, between lovers they will split a chai at farewell and each person keeps half. When they meet again they will combine the two halfs into one.

Relevant poems:

辛弃疾<祝英台近.晚春>:“宝钗分,桃叶渡,颜柳暗南浦”<Zhu Yingtai jin.Late Spring>:”Split the chai, At Taoye Du(the place of farewell), fog is covering the sight of the willows, the scenery at waterside is very desolated.” However, this poem is using an metaphor to express the poet’s sadness of leaving his motherland.

 

步摇bu(4)yao(2)

1.South Tang Dynasty-jade embed gold Buyao 2. Copper Buyao 3. Jade embed gold Buyao 4. Four butterflies silver Buyao 5. Garnet gold plated Buyao Image source: http://tieba.baidu.com/p/2708145136 last access 30th August 2016
1.South Tang Dynasty-jade embed gold Buyao
2. Copper Buyao
3. Jade embed gold Buyao
4. Four butterflies silver Buyao
5. Garnet gold plated Buyao
Image source: http://tieba.baidu.com/p/2708145136
last access 30th August 2016
1. Wei and Jin Dynasty Buyao hat 2. Butterfly wing Buyao 3.Gilt Kingfisher Buyao Image source: http://tieba.baidu.com/p/2708145136 last access 30th August 2016
1. Wei and Jin Dynasty Buyao hat
2. Butterfly wing Buyao
3.Gilt Kingfisher Buyao
Image source: http://tieba.baidu.com/p/2708145136
last access 30th August 2016

步摇Buyao is an extension of Ji, Zan, and Chai. It had large variety of designs. One main character of Buyao is that it has some mobile part that can moves when the lady walks. It could be tassels or spring-like parts, chains or anything that has certain mobility. Hence the name came as 步(bu,walk) 摇(yao, move).

video source:Youtube Channel FU ZHANG published on 26th April 2016. Chinese drama<The Empress of China>, stories happen in Tang Dynasty(618-907AD)

link: https://youtu.be/79AO9Nkd1EM

Just for reference and get an idea how Buyao looks when wearing. You can watch the video starting at 10:16 when the Consorts are talking with each other. Personally I think Buyao is one of the hair accessories that emphasize on feminine aspects the most, making women look more demure and gentle, with subtle sexiness. The drama and costume generally respects Chinese History, including the color of the attires, the design of the jewelries, the hairstyle. You can find a few types of hair accessories I mentioned in this post.

Relevant documents in classic Chinese books:

<释名.释首饰>:“步摇上有垂珠,步则动摇也。”<Late Han Etymological Dictionary. Name of accessories>:”Buyao has dangling beads, when walks it will sway”

白居易<长恨歌>:“云鬓花颜金步摇,芙蓉暖帐度春宵。” <A Song of Immortal Regret>by Bai Juyi:”She had a florid face and cloud-soft hair adorned with glittering golden beads (Buyao) that swayed,
Behind bedchamber curtains painted with lotus, springtime passion was in play. translation:https://28utscprojects.wordpress.com/2011/01/15/071/ last access 30th August 2016   This poem is used to describe Yang Yuhuan, also known as Yang Guifei, the most famous Imperial Noble Consort of Tang Dynasty. She is one of the four most beautiful women in Chinese history, and is also blamed for distracting and interfering Emperor’s affairs of states. Rumor says she was executed in Lushan’s rebellion against the emperor, but the truth remains a mystery.

 

钿dian(4) 

1.Tourmaline butterfliy flower dian 2. Qing Dynasty Kingfisher gem embed butterfly flower dian(for marriage) 3. Golden flower dian 4. Kingfisher gem embed butterfly flower dian 5. Qing Dynasty Kingfisher gem embed five phoenix dian 6. Bluing flower dian Image source: http://tieba.baidu.com/p/2708145136 last access 30th August 2016
1.Tourmaline butterfliy flower dian
2. Qing Dynasty Kingfisher gem embed butterfly flower dian(for marriage)
3. Golden flower dian
4. Kingfisher gem embed butterfly flower dian
5. Qing Dynasty Kingfisher gem embed five phoenix dian
6. Bluing flower dian
Image source: http://tieba.baidu.com/p/2708145136
last access 30th August 2016

钿Dian, also known as 钿花dian flower, originated from Southern Song(420-479AD), generally in red, green, and blue. Made with gild and/or silver, it can be pinned on hair as decoration. In most designs, dian make use of different materials to create flower shape. There are other patterns beside flower, such as bird, fish, duck. This is similar to many hair accessories  we use in modern days, purely for decorative purposes. It can be combined with Buyao, as seen in image 2,4, and 5 there are dangling beads on the dian.

In different occasions, women wear different hair accessories according to their status. Royal generally wears flamboyantly. in <后汉书.舆服志><Book of Later Han.Travel and Dress>says when Grandma-Empress dowager and Empress Dowager(grandmother and mother of the Emperor) visit the temples, their accessories“簪以瑇瑁为擿,长一尺,端为华盛,上为凤皇爵,以翡翠为毛羽,下有白珠,垂黄金镊。左右一横簪之,以安蔮结。诸簪珥皆同制,其擿有等级焉。”loosely translate to”Zan is made of tortoiseshell, about 23cm long, Huasheng at front, Phoenix Jue on top, using jade as feather, below here is white beads, and dangling golden accessories. There is a horizontal zan on each side of the head, to complete the entire outfit. Every one’s earrings look the same, but hair accessories shows hierarchies. ”

 

华胜hua(1)sheng(4)

Kingfisher Huasheng image source: http://big5.hwjyw.com/zhwh/traditional_culture/zgfs/ld/200911/t20091126_33981_1.shtml lst access 30th August 2016
Kingfisher Huasheng
image source: http://big5.hwjyw.com/zhwh/traditional_culture/zgfs/ld/200911/t20091126_33981_1.shtml
lst access 30th August 2016
Huasheng is used mainly at forehead image source: http://big5.hwjyw.com/zhwh/traditional_culture/zgfs/ld/200911/t20091126_33981_1.shtml last access 30th August 2016
Huasheng is used mainly at forehead
image source: http://big5.hwjyw.com/zhwh/traditional_culture/zgfs/ld/200911/t20091126_33981_1.shtml
last access 30th August 2016

华胜Huasheng, also known as 花勝(pronounce the same), usually is made into the shape of plants and is put at the forehead of women as decoration.

Relevant documents in classic Chinese books:

<释名.释首饰>:“华胜,华,象草木之华也;胜,言人形容正等,一人著之则胜,蔽发前为饰也”<Late Han Etymological Dictionary. Name of accessories>:”Huangsheng, Hua, resembling flora; sheng, to describe people with presentable appearance, if people wear it, it is an accessory at forehead.”

 

篦bi(4)

1. Jade bi 2. Song Dynasty silver bi 3. Left: comb; right: bi Image source: http://tieba.baidu.com/p/2708145136 last access: 30th August 2016
1. Jade bi
2. Song Dynasty silver bi
3. Left: comb; right: bi
Image source: http://tieba.baidu.com/p/2708145136
last access: 30th August 2016
1. Tang Dynasty golden bi 2. Changsha HanDynasty tomb bi(left) and comb(right) 3. Qing Dynasty tortoiseshell engraved bi 4. Tang Dynasty flower silver bi Image source: http://tieba.baidu.com/p/2708145136 last access: 30th August 2016
1. Tang Dynasty golden bi
2. Changsha HanDynasty tomb bi(left) and comb(right)
3. Qing Dynasty tortoiseshell engraved bi
4. Tang Dynasty flower silver bi
Image source: http://tieba.baidu.com/p/2708145136
last access: 30th August 2016

篦Bi is a finer version of comb, it can be used to comb off dust and dirt from hair. In ancient China, people pay a lot of emphasis on grooming, thus looking good is very important, and people bring a comb with them wherever they go, especially for women. Slowly it became a fashion to use bi, which is a comb that pin on hair.

from this painting of Zhang Xuan we can tell how women use Bi at that point of time.

section of by Zhang Xuan full painting dimensions: 37cm*145.3cm Tang Dynasty image source: http://jsl641124.blog.163.com/blog/static/177025143201271604633106/ last access 30th August 2016
section of by Zhang Xuan
full painting dimensions:
37cm*145.3cm
Tang Dynasty
image source: http://jsl641124.blog.163.com/blog/static/177025143201271604633106/
last access 30th August 2016

 

References:

http://tieba.baidu.com/p/2708145136 Post by Yi Yi Guan on Baidu,<顺手带来,中国古代女子发饰:笄、簪、钗、华胜、步摇……> Last access 30th August 2016

http://fashion.sohu.com/20150410/n411077091.shtml 360doc.com <中国古代女子发饰:笄、簪、钗、华胜、步摇、篦、钿> Last access 30th August 2016

 

Nowadays we do not use so many types of hair accessories anymore-at least not at the same time. However, there are similar products for girls who want extra sparkles.I browse through my favorite shopping website shopbop.com and found some items:(https://www.shopbop.com/accessories-hair/br/v=1/2534374302062842.htm)

crescent comb pin by PLUIE
crescent comb pin by PLUIE
Naked crescent comb by PLUIE
Naked crescent comb by PLUIE
Swallow Imitation Pearl Bobby Pins by Marc Jacobs
Swallow Imitation Pearl Bobby Pins by Marc Jacobs

There are also bohemian style hair accessories that can be put at forehead, which resembles Huasheng.

The ancient style accessories can be re-designed into something more suitable, wearable in modern times, and yet reserves a bit of traditions.

 

Chinese Hairtyles and Its Significance

Chinese Hairstyles Through the Dynasties

Youtube Channel Off the Great Wall

https://youtu.be/RPdC_FkOlr0

access date : 28th August 2016

While this video is not a 100% accurate historical documentation, it gives an idea of how important hairstyle is in Chinese history.

Hair carries significant meaning in Chinese culture, it reflects your identity, status, your religions, and your political stands. With changing of ruling parties, the hairstyle changes as well. For example, when Qing dynasty(1644-1912) took over Ming dynasty(1368-1644), The emperor of Qing enforced the policy of cutting hair.

mens' hairstyles in different times of Chinese History Source from DNA.Yoka http://www.yoka.com/dna/d/328/556.html Last access 28th August 2016
mens’ hairstyles in different times of Chinese History
Source from DNA.Yoka
http://www.yoka.com/dna/d/328/556.html
Last access 28th August 2016

It was so important the policy stated “Keep your hair and lose your head, keep your head and lose your hair”.

As for women, it is said that only married women are supposed to bun all the hair up. For single ladies they are supposed to let some hair down.

Also, cutting hair could be an offense in Chinese Culture, as people believed that your body are all the gifts from your parents, damaging your body equals to insulting your parents, which is unfilial. Cutting of hair can be seen as a punishment or humiliation.

There was a historically documented event in Qing Dynasty, between Queen Consort Ulanara乌喇那拉氏 and Emperor Qianlong 乾隆皇帝(1711-1799), during 1765. Ulanara was the sencond Queen Consort of Emperor Qianlong, after the first 孝贤纯皇后Queen Consort Xiaoxianchun(Emperess Xiaoxianchun) passed away.

Empress Ulanara, the Step Empress of Emperor Qian-long Imperial Painter-The Palace Museum Mid 18h Century Source: https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%B8%85%E9%AB%98%E5%AE%97%E7%BB%A7%E7%9A%87%E5%90%8E last access 28th August
Empress Ulanara, the Step Empress of Emperor Qian-long
Imperial Painter-The Palace Museum
Mid 18h Century
Source: https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%B8%85%E9%AB%98%E5%AE%97%E7%BB%A7%E7%9A%87%E5%90%8E
last access 28th August

Queen Consort Ulanara protested against Emperor Qianlong on his decision to appoint an Imperial Noble Consort upon a girl(*see more details below). As cutting hair is normally only performed when someone’s parents or spouse pass away, or some important figure passes away, it representing the virtual death of oneself, as to accompany the dead. The protest was so intense that Emperor Qianlong and his Queen Mother(Empress Dowager) abolished Queen Consort Ulanara into the Cold Palace(**see explanations below). Because of this incidence, Queen Consort Ulanara was never treated fairly and respected by Empreror Qianlong. After she passed away in 1766, one year after the incidence, Emperor Qianlong degraded her funeral scale and standard, and banned her from being buried in royal tombs. Even 13 years after the event, Emperor Qianlong still hasn’t forgiven her.

Relevant resource: (In Chinese) start at 19’20”

Youtube Channel CCTV Culture Official (By China Central Television)

20140606 百家讲坛 清十二帝后宫疑案6 乾隆帝爱恨交加的三个女人

Access date: 28th August 2016

 

As we can see hair and hairstyle have great meaning in Chinese history. Although in modern times, hairstyle is, in most cases, a personal preference, and cutting hair is not a sin or an offence anymore(maybe in some religions), we definitely have more freedom in deciding how long we want our hair to be and how often we want to style it. However, the idea of hair accessories can still bring up some Chinese traditions and stories. Incorporating hair accessories into my jewelry design can be a good direction to look at. Combining what I have mentioned in previous post regarding Chinese wedding customs, hair accessories can also play up and down, for different occasions, for different hairstyles.


*The hierarchies of Emperors wives in Chinese History, Qing Dynasty

There are strict rules regarding the  hierarchies of Emperor’s wife in Qing Dynasty. From the highest ranking to the lowest ranking, and the maximum number of persons allowed for each title are listed below: (Translation may vary)

皇后 Queen Consort x 1

皇贵妃 Imperial Noble Consort x 1

贵妃 Noble Consort x 2

妃 Consort x 4

嫔 Dame x 6

贵人 Noble Lady x unlimited

常在 Attendant x unlimited

答应 Repliant x unlimited

Generally, Emperor will respect Queen Consort and do not appoint Imperial Noble Consort as this may make the Queen Consort feel intimidated or threatened, which is why Queen Consort Ulanara was so raged at Emperor Qianlong’s decision.

References:

Translation of titles:  http://www.guokr.com/question/482351/ last access 28th August 2016

Hierarchies and number limits: http://zhidao.baidu.com/question/10825806.html last access 28th August 2016

** The Cold Palace:

Also known as Limbo. A representation of the place in the Forbidden City where Emperors put his abandoned, abolished or unwanted wives to spend rest of their life.  Usually it means the Emperor has lost interests in them or wants to punish them for their wrong doings.

The Cold Palace is not a specific palace in the Forbidden city, it symbolizes a situation where emperor does not want to pay attention to the wife anymore, and do not entitle the wife to have the welfare that she used to have. This includes less maids servicing her. Once the wife is put into the Cold Palace, it is equals to taking away all her titles in the hierarchy although it may not be officially announced. It is very commonly seen in Chinese drama and novels.

reference:

http://baike.baidu.com/item/%E5%86%B7%E5%AE%AB/33482

last access 28th August 2016

 

 

 

 

 

researches on Chinese traditions-wedding

To make Chinese related Jewelry, I need to understand the role of jewelry in China. At the beginning, jewelries are solely meant for ceremonial and religion purposes in China, they are the items of superstitions and worships. Only later it became accessories.

To make my jewelries “Chinese”, I decide to understand more about Chinese culture. However, if the purpose of the jewelry is designed too specific to one type of culture, meaning the non-Chinese people are totally not relatable, the design outcome would be very narrow. As such, wedding tradition can be a good aspect to start with. Wedding is related to most of people regardless of race and religions.  A jewelry can reflects certain Chinese wedding culture, and yet it can be simply a decorative accessory. It can be worn on and off Chinese wedding. And for other races who do not perform Chinese traditions, can wear it for the auspicious meaning or just the appearance.

At brainstorming stage of my FYP, I am considering designing a set of jewelry that reflects different occasions in Chinese Traditions. It can be wedding, which is more formal, flamboyant; or daily jewelry which is more subtle.

Here is a short video briefly introduces Chinese Wedding Traditions.

https://youtu.be/sEeKobHJP00

Chinese Wedding Customs(三书六礼-Three Letters & Six Etiquettes)

YouTube Channel “Off the Great Wall’

Published date: 7th July 2013

Accessed date: 28th August 2016

 

One of the most important factors defining Chinese people, or Malay, or Indian, are the traditions and customs we practice. Although many of us do not perform the entire tradition nowadays, there are still some simplified traditions we practice. Such as wedding traditions.

Generally, the modern Chinese do not perform the whole “three letters and six Etiquettes” in marriage, some steps such as presenting wedding gift, fetching the brides, or even calculating birth date and time are not uncommon.

The major procedures in a traditional Chinese wedding “Three Letters and Six Etiquettes”

1, 纳采 na cai-sending match-makers to negotiate with the bride’s family, like the modern proposal. However, in ancient China, the groom side only need to negotiate with bride’s parents instead of the bride herself. The match-maker represents the groom’s family and will bring along around 30 items as gift, among which there is one pair of live goose symbolizing ‘one and only love’.

2, 问名 wen ming- Birthday-matching.

Sheng Chen Ba Zi Birth Date & Time
Sheng Chen Ba Zi Birth Date & Time, Source from Zi Zhu Xuan Fengshui website: http://yew-fengshui.com/totalweb/design/yewfengshui/index.asp?menuid=229 Last access 28th August 2016

If both family agrees, they will take both the girl and the boy’s 生辰八字(Birth Date & Time) to a fortune teller and calculate to see if they are a heaven’s match. This is getting the heaven’s approval on the marriage.

3, 纳吉 na ji-Broom will confirm the marriage by giving the brides’s family the first letter 聘书 the Betrothal Letter, with their birthdays written on it. Also, the groom will give the bride betrothal gifts.

 

4, 纳徵 na zheng, or 过大礼 guo da li-Presenting the wedding gifts.

Betrothal gifts
Betrothal gifts Source from The Chinese Wedding Shop Website http://www.thechineseweddingshop.com.sg/packages.html Last access 28th August 2016

Groom’s family will send all the gifts to the bride’s home listed in the second letter 礼书 the gift letter. Each gift signifies something auspicious. Guo Da Li is a very important step in Chinese marriages as it signifies the promises of the groom’s family to the bride’s family. After which bride’s family will 回礼 hui li-Return the gift. This is to thanks groom’s family so they will return half of the gifts back to them. Bride’s family will also give groom’s family some other items, such as bride’s handmade items to groom as a gift.

5, 请亲 qing qin-The two families will arrange a wedding date according to Tung Shing for an auspicious date.

Tung Shing
Tung Shing Source from B’tween the Buds blog post https://betweenthebuds.wordpress.com/2014/08/01/wedding-the-date-%E2%99%A5-%E5%A9%9A%E7%A6%AE-%E5%90%89%E6%97%A5/ Last access 28th August 2016

6, 亲迎 qin ying-The Wedding Ceremony.

Ying Qin Fetching the bride
Ying Qin Fetching the bride Source from Mojingshuo blog post http://www.mojingshuo.com/topic-2564.html Last access 28th August 2016

The Groom will come to the bride’s house to give them the last letter 迎书 the wedding letter. Groom picks up the bride and then go through the wedding customs at the groom’s house, wedding ceremony and dinner.


Some of the ideas I obtained from this video:

-letters. The three letters are of great importance, like the modern contract, ROM, marriage certificate.

-Gifts. Must have auspicious meaning. The live goose is a very interesting point might be considered in my design.

-Birth date & Time. This varies from individuals, maybe can be a customized part in my jewelry? So to make the jewelry uniquely MINE.

-Commonly know items in Chinese traditional wedding are dates 枣zao, peanuts 花生hua sheng,  logan 桂圆gui yuan, lotus seeds 莲子lian zi—Adding up together is 枣生贵子 zao-sheng-gui-zi, which means “Giving birth to a son soon”.

Zao Sheng Gui Zi source from Ipeen website post by 裸斯妈 http://www.ipeen.com.tw/comment/960422 Last access 28th August 2016
Zao Sheng Gui Zi
source from Ipeen.com website post by 裸斯妈
http://www.ipeen.com.tw/comment/960422
Last access 28th August 2016

This is to express the good wills for the marriage as giving birth to son is a very important, auspicious event in a Chinese marriage. This can give some inspiration to me as well.

 

My FYP Proporsal

Exploring Chinese history, culture,as well as the stories behind famous poems and art pieces, combining with 3D printing and other techniques, the aim of this project is to design a set of jewelries that embodies Chinese stories and shows the culture influences of the eras in history. Chinese culture is not independent from the rest of the world, at different period of time, China was influenced by different countries and exotic cultures, at the same time, the society is shaped according to the emperors’ characters and policies. By interpreting Chinese culture, more interesting stories can be discovered about the social-political situations of the times. This set of jewelries are meat to be both decorative and meaningful.

FYP-2