In the Chinese Almanac (Huangli), "Marriage" (嫁娶 - Jiaqu) refers to choosing an auspicious day for a wedding ceremony. In traditional Chinese culture, marriage is a highly significant event. People typically consult the auspicious days in the Almanac to schedule the specific date of the wedding, praying for a harmonious marriage and a happy family.
The Chinese Almanac, also known as Huangli or the Old Almanac, is a traditional Chinese calendar used for selecting auspicious dates. It uses the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches (Gan Zhi) to record days, combined with the 60-year Sexagenary cycle, to document daily auspicious and inauspicious matters, providing guidance for important activities in people's daily lives. In the Almanac, every day has "Suit" (宜) and "Avoid" (忌) categories, and "Marriage" is one of the essential activities listed.
Selecting an auspicious day for marriage requires comprehensive consideration of the following aspects:
Wedding customs vary across different regions in China, but they generally include the following steps (traditionally known as the Six Rites):
With the development of society, although many people still respect traditional customs and consult the Almanac when choosing a wedding date, an increasing number of people prefer to make decisions based on their actual circumstances rather than relying entirely on the Almanac. For example, they might choose a time convenient for both families or select dates with special meaning (such as Valentine's Day or anniversaries) for the wedding.
In conclusion, "Marriage" in Chinese culture is not only a grand feast celebrating love but also carries beautiful wishes for family continuation and harmonious happiness. Selecting an auspicious day through the Chinese Almanac reflects people's yearning for and pursuit of a better life.
