Installing the bridal bed is another important part of the Chinese wedding traditions. The bridal bed has great significance in the Chinese culture as it is where the next generation of the family is made! 
Hence, it needs to be properly done to ensure that the couple will be blessed with happiness in their marriage and fertility in producing many offspring.
Many Chinese still practise this culture today in preparation for their own weddings although beds today are not as ornate as the one above. However, as we move with modern times, there may be some elements of the tradition which may be altered and adapted to suit the modern bridal couple’s lifestyle. Read below for the answers to all your questions to this piece of rich culture and how we can adapt it to modern times!
When To Install The Bridal Bed?
It is traditionally done one to two weeks before the wedding day as there are many taboos associated with the couple lying on the bed before they are married! Traditionally, the bridal bed is the one in the groom’s house as most brides lived with the husband’s family after marriage. Today, most couples have their own new home to move into after marriage and in the midst of setting up their home, can opt to do it earlier as long as they are not planning to sleep on the bed prior to the wedding.
Installing the bridal bed is often done according to the auspicious dates that suit the couples’ zodiac signs. If you have not consulted a feng shui master for auspicious dates, do not fret as you can follow the overall auspicious days available in a Chinese calendar.
Who Should Install The Bridal Bed?
The bridal bed is usually installed by an older married couple blessed with a long and happy marriage, good fortune and have children. If the bridal bed is in the groom’s house and the groom’s parents fit the criteria above, they may install it. Otherwise, the bride’s parents or relatives may also do the same for the couple. Find out more below.
How To Install The Chinese Wedding Bed
Traditionally, the wedding bed was physically installed as each bed was probably made new for the wedding. Today, the new bed that couples buy often come readily installed from the stores. Symbolically, the bed will be pushed slightly to the proper position and the mattress moved to represent the installing of the bed.
New and clean bedsheets will then be placed on the bed. As red symbolises happiness and auspiciousness, Chinese wedding bedsheets are usually red or pink. Some traditional sheets come embroided with the double happiness or “hei” symbol or the dragon and phoenix symbol to represent the yin and yang of the bridal couple. Couples today may choose to do away with the garish all red sheets. However, do try to maintain some red on your bridal bed whether with flowers or red small cushions.
These tips on installing the bridal bed are a wonderful part of the Chinese tradition. However, there are more taboos and other traditions surrounding the wedding bed which is coming in a future post! Together, they form an integral part of the rich Chinese heritage that holds much symbolism for a happy marriage.
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