Wedding Invitation Text in Ancient Chinese Literature119

The wedding ceremony is a sacred and momentous occasion that signifies the union of two hearts and the formation of a new family. In ancient Chinese literature, wedding invitations were often crafted with great care and eloquence, capturing the joy and anticipation of the event.

The earliest known wedding invitations in China date back to the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BCE), where they were written on bamboo or wooden slips. These invitations were typically brief and straightforward, indicating the names of the bride and groom, the date and time of the ceremony, and the location of the celebration. Over time, wedding invitations became more elaborate and incorporated elements of poetry and calligraphy.

During the Han Dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE), wedding invitations often featured auspicious symbols and phrases. The character "囍" (pronounced "shuang xi"), meaning "double happiness," was a common motif, as was the phrase "百年好合" (pronounced "bai nian hao he"), wishing the couple "a hundred years of happiness." Invitations also included a section called the "Guest List," which listed the names of the invited guests and their titles. This list was considered a mark of honor and respect, and guests were expected to RSVP with a gift in accordance with their social standing.

The Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE) witnessed a flourishing of Chinese literature and art, and wedding invitations reflected this cultural renaissance. Invitations became longer and more ornate, often incorporating elements of classical poetry and prose. Couples would often compose their own invitations, expressing their love and hopes for the future. The following is an example of a Tang Dynasty wedding invitation:

"May the phoenix fly to the auspicious hall, / And the mandarin duck enter the beautiful pond. / With the sound of music and the fragrance of flowers, / We celebrate the union of two hearts.


On the lucky day of the third moon, / When the spring breeze whispers secrets, / We invite you to witness the marriage ceremony / Of our beloved daughter, [Bride's name], / To the honorable son of the [Groom's family name], [Groom's name].


May this auspicious union be blessed with a century of happiness, / And may the couple live together in love and harmony. / We humbly request your presence at the celebration, / To share in our joy and offer your congratulations."

During the Song Dynasty (960-1279 CE), wedding invitations became even more elaborate and sophisticated. Invitations were often printed on fine paper and decorated with intricate designs. Calligraphy became an essential element of wedding invitations, and couples would often commission renowned calligraphers to write their invitations. The following is an example of a Song Dynasty wedding invitation:

"In the year of the Dragon, / On the auspicious day of the eighth moon, / We invite you to celebrate the wedding of our cherished daughter, [Bride's name], / To the noble son of the [Groom's family name], [Groom's name].


The ceremony will be held at the Jade Pavilion, / Amidst the fragrance of flowers and the sound of music. / May this union be blessed with eternal love and happiness, / And may the couple live together in peace and harmony.


We humbly request your presence at this joyous occasion, / To witness the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. / May your blessings bring them a lifetime of happiness."

Wedding invitations in ancient Chinese literature were not merely announcements of an event but also works of art that captured the joy, love, and hopes of the couple and their families. Through their elegant language and auspicious symbols, these invitations celebrated the beauty and sacredness of marriage and wished the newlyweds a lifetime of happiness and prosperity.

2025-02-21

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