Getting to Know Sangjit, Chinese Wedding Traditions and the Necessary Gifts

Illustration of the implementation of the sangjit culture (photo: Pixabay/BabyMin)

YOGYAKARTA - Many of us are not familiar with sangjit, a pre-wedding tradition in Chinese culture.

In general, sangjit is a series of customs that are carried out after the proposal and before the wedding day in Chinese culture. This tradition has similarities with the seserahan procession which is also known in a number of Asian countries, including Indonesia.

The sangjit tradition is still carried out until now although the acaranya has evolved into a more modern and simple one.

So, what is sangjit? Summarized from various sources, see the complete information in the review below.

Getting to know Sangjit

In Chinese culture, the sangjit is an official engagement ceremony marked by the submission of various gifts from the family of the prospective groom to the family of the prospective bride. The gifts are carried in several trays and the procession usually takes place in a closed manner with the presence of the core family and close relatives only.

Sangjit is not just an event to hand over gifts between the two families. This procession has a deep meaning as a symbol of the seriousness of the man to marry the prospective bride. In addition, sangjit is also a form of respect for the woman's family.

According to the Singapore Brides website, the sangjit is not carried out randomly, but based on the results of family agreements, determining the date and time of the event - usually following special calculations according to Chinese beliefs.

The sangjit event is held in the afternoon around 10.00 to 13.00. The implementation time ranges from one week to six months before the wedding day.

For couples whose one or both are of Chinese ethnicity, sangjit is one of the important stages of tradition before the wedding is held. This procession not only shows the seriousness of the relationship, but is also considered sacred because it involves the extended family of both parties.

In addition to being a venue for introducing prospective brothers-in-law and families, the sangjit has the goal of strengthening family relationships. This tradition is also an important moment to get the family's blessing before the couple enters the marriage stage.

The meaning of sangjit is not only limited to the exchange of gifts between families. More than that, this tradition is considered a part of Chinese cultural heritage that is full of positive values and philosophies of life. Through sangjit, the younger generation is expected to continue to know and appreciate their cultural roots.

Wajib hantaran saat Sangjit

One of the important parts of the sangjit tradition is the dowry from the man to the woman. This dowry is usually carried using a tray or tray in red and gold as a symbol of luck and happiness.

Here are some common mandatory hantaran when the bride and groom:

Jewelry

Jewelry such as rings, necklaces, bracelets, or earrings becomes a symbol of the seriousness and commitment of the groom to his future wife. Usually, jewelry is given directly to the bride-to-be during the procession.

Money Party

Party money or milk money is a symbol of assistance from the man's side to the woman's family to help prepare for the wedding. The amount is adjusted to the agreement of the two families.

Cakes and Sweets

Traditional cakes, chocolates, or sweet foods are symbols of hope that the couple's home life will always be filled with happiness and harmony.

Fruits

The fruit that is often brought when sangjit is usually oranges because it is considered to symbolize good luck and abundant sustenance.

Clothing and Cosmetics

Several families also provided clothes, cloth, bags, shoes, and cosmetics as a form of attention from the men to the prospective bride.

Candles and Traditional Equipment

Red candles and other traditional accessories are often used as symbols of prayer, luck, and smoothness in the couple's future household life.

That's the explanation of what sangjit is. Hopefully readers can get to know sangjit as a wedding tradition in Chinese culture. Get other interesting news updates by visiting the VOI.id page.