四点金 (si dian jin)
"4 touches of gold"
One of the customary things that a teochew bride receives from her parents in-law is a set of gold jewellery, usually comprised of a necklace, pendant, a bracelet/bangle, and earrings. This is part of the betrothal gift that the bride's family usually asks for and is given to the bride before the wedding day so that she can wear it on the day. These days, it is very common for the in-laws to give it to the bride during the tea ceremony instead - usually after serving the in-laws tea, they will put the jewellery on the bride to show off to one and all. It is also common for the bride's parents to give her a set of gold as well. Why four pieces? Well, I still can't find the answer, especially since 4 is actually regarded by the Chinese as an unlucky number as it a homophone and sounds like "die" in Mandarin as well as the various dialects.
Well, not being an accessories/jewellery person myself, I finally agreed to a set of gold from my parents and a pendant & necklace from Carol and Jim (David's parents). I also decided that I wanted white gold instead of the traditional yellow gold, simply because I prefer white gold. Again, white gold is regarded by some traditionalists as unlucky as it is called "pek kim" (white gold) and sounds like the name of the 'gift' you'll give to the family of the deceased. Alas, fashion wins and many brides have gotten away the white gold option. Yay hey!
One of the customary things that a teochew bride receives from her parents in-law is a set of gold jewellery, usually comprised of a necklace, pendant, a bracelet/bangle, and earrings. This is part of the betrothal gift that the bride's family usually asks for and is given to the bride before the wedding day so that she can wear it on the day. These days, it is very common for the in-laws to give it to the bride during the tea ceremony instead - usually after serving the in-laws tea, they will put the jewellery on the bride to show off to one and all. It is also common for the bride's parents to give her a set of gold as well. Why four pieces? Well, I still can't find the answer, especially since 4 is actually regarded by the Chinese as an unlucky number as it a homophone and sounds like "die" in Mandarin as well as the various dialects.
Well, not being an accessories/jewellery person myself, I finally agreed to a set of gold from my parents and a pendant & necklace from Carol and Jim (David's parents). I also decided that I wanted white gold instead of the traditional yellow gold, simply because I prefer white gold. Again, white gold is regarded by some traditionalists as unlucky as it is called "pek kim" (white gold) and sounds like the name of the 'gift' you'll give to the family of the deceased. Alas, fashion wins and many brides have gotten away the white gold option. Yay hey!
Labels: chinese wedding customs
posted by bibikwannabe at 5:21 pm
2 Comments:
I think it's 4 because traditionally, si dian jin had to be in dragon and phoenix designs made out of gold, to signify a harmonious and prosperous union. And it should comprise of 4 items - a pair of earrings, a ring, a necklace and a bangle....which I guess is considered a full set of jewellery.
How does the dragon and phoenix design affect the number that needs to be given? Although, I guess you're right about the 4 making up a complete set. Just thankful I don't have to have GOLD dragon and phoenix bangles.
Speaking of which, I've yet to buy the last piece to complete the set from my mom.
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