The Wedding Couple

Back in March of 2011, while on a hike with the rock hounds from the Heritage Park Senior Center, I took this picture following what appeared to be a traditional Chinese wedding that took place at Red Spring in Calico Basin, just north of Red Rock Canyon. Though a little reluctant, the proud couple relented to my request for a picture. I only wish that I had taken the time to gather some personal information from them so I could send them a copy. Traditional Chinese wedding customs have been around for thousands of years. Traditional Chinese wedding customs are considered as the foundation of rites in traditional Chinese culture. They may vary from place to place and time to time, but have been holding an important position in the lives of Chinese people, causing a far-reaching impact on the way the Chinese lead their lives. I don’t pretend to know much about Chinese weddings, however, I was able to gather the following information.Traditional Chinese wedding attire varies greatly, depending on the many ethnic groups. One of the most popular styles is known as Qi Pao, which translates as "Chinese jacket" and was typically worn by brides whose family originated from the northern regions of China. In Chinese culture the color red is critical in representing luck and happiness. The bride usually wears a detailed phoenix crown with pearls adorned into the headdress. The groom's attire, Da Gua, less elaborate when compared to the bride's gown, is usually blue. Grooms also wear a black headpiece adorned with red tassels. Generally, all of the wedding attire is made of silk.