What should you pay attention to when pressing the bed for the bride?
In traditional Chinese wedding customs, "pressing the bed" is an important ceremony, which means that the couple will have a happy life after marriage and have a child early. With the development of the times, the custom of pressing the bed is still retained, but the specific precautions may vary due to regional and cultural differences. Here are detailed notes on bridal bed pressing to help you better participate in this traditional ceremony.
1. Basic concepts of press
Bed pressing means that a specific person (usually an unmarried young man or child) sleeps or lies on the wedding bed of the couple on the eve of the wedding or on the wedding day, which means to ward off evil spirits and avoid disasters, bring good luck and bring prosperity to the children and grandchildren. This custom has different manifestations in different places, but the core meaning is similar.
2. Precautions for press
Here are the key things to note when pressing:
| Things to note | Specific instructions |
|---|---|
| Candidates for press | Usually an unmarried young man or child, especially a boy, is chosen, which symbolizes "having a child early". In some areas, the bed presser is required to be the groom's brother or relative. |
| Pressing time | Usually on the eve of the wedding or on the morning of the wedding day, the specific time depends on local customs. |
| bed pressing ceremony | The person pressing the bed needs to lie down or sleep on the bed. In some places, red dates, peanuts, longan, lotus seeds, etc. will be sprinkled on it, which means "to have a child early". |
| Red envelope after pressing the bed | The person who presses the bed usually receives a red envelope from the couple as a thank you, and the amount depends on the family's financial situation. |
| wedding bed decoration | The wedding bed needs to be laid out in advance with red sheets and quilts, and mascots such as mandarin duck pillows, happy characters, etc. |
| Taboos | The person pressing the bed cannot be a married person; avoid making unfavorable remarks while pressing the bed; the bedding should not be damaged or stained. |
3. Modern evolution of press
With the development of the times, the custom of bed pressing has gradually evolved. Many young people prefer to simplify the ceremony or combine it with a Western-style wedding. For example, some newlyweds will choose to let relatives and friends participate in the bed pressing to add to the lively atmosphere; others use symbolic items (such as dolls) instead of real people to press the bed.
4. Frequently Asked Questions about Presses
| question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Do I have to use a child to press the bed? | Not necessarily, but traditionally unmarried boys are preferred. Some areas also accept unmarried young people. |
| How long is the appropriate pressing time? | Usually a few hours is enough, but some places require the bed presser to sleep all night. |
| What needs to be done after pressing? | After the bed is pressed, the couple needs to give a red envelope to the person who pressed the bed and keep the mascot on the bed until the wedding is over. |
| Can the press be simplified? | Yes, many couples in modern weddings will choose to symbolically press the bed or use other methods instead. |
5. Cultural significance of bed press
Pressing the bed is not only a traditional custom, but also carries good wishes for the newlyweds. It embodies the Chinese people's emphasis on family, descendants and happiness, and is an integral part of the wedding. Whether following tradition or innovative forms, the core meaning of bed pressing is always to pray for good luck for the couple.
6. Summary
As an important part of traditional Chinese weddings, bed pressing requires attention to details such as selection, time, and ceremony. With the development of the times, the form of the press can be flexibly adjusted, but the best wishes behind it remain unchanged. I hope this article can help you better understand and participate in this traditional ceremony, and add more joy and blessings to the couple's wedding.
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