On this bright and sunny morning, the twenty-fifth of April, Doctor Liang and Magistrate Chen arrived early at the gates of the Su residence, carrying a generous array of lavish gifts. They were in such a hurry because they were determined to finalize this momentous matter before Su Yu left for the academy.
What was taking place was the most crucial first step in local marriage customs: the "betrothal gift" ceremony. As one of the "Six Rites," the procedure typically follows these steps:
1. Setting the Date: The families consult each other to agree upon a date and an exact time for the betrothal.
2. Preparing the Gifts: The groom’s side carefully selects meaningful gifts to present to the bride’s family as a gesture of profound respect and sincerity.
3. Arrival at the Residence: On the appointed day, the groom’s party arrives at the bride’s home, typically bearing red envelopes and various gifts such as fine wine, fragrant tea, and sweets.
4. Expressing Intentions: The groom’s family formally expresses their admiration and respect to the bride’s family, hoping to unite the two houses in marriage.
Chapter 142