The Chinese wedding lamps placed at the bedside of the marriage bed are another significant item in a Chinese marriage. Almost every couple who goes through a traditional Chinese wedding will have a pair of these lamps feature in their wedding. What is their significance? How long should they be lighted for? And how can we adapt this centuries-old tradition to our modern conveniences? Find out more below!
Significance of Chinese Wedding Lamps
The Chinese culture revolves around auspicious sounding items and sons! In every Chinese wedding, the couple are always showered with blessings for them to have many sons to carry on the family name. Lamps in Chinese (“deng”) has a similar sound to sons (“ding”). So the symbolic gesture of lighting the wedding lamps signifies the addition of sons to the family. The brightness of the pair of lamps also symbolises a long and bright life ahead for the couple.
How Long Should I Light The Lamps For?
The wedding lamps are usually lit by the auspicious lady who installed the marriage bed or the parents. There are several variations to the custom on how long they should be kept lit for. Some say the lamps should be lit on the day of the bed installation and kept on until the wedding night. Other variations recommend for the lamps to be lit only before the wedding day and kept burning for 3 days and 3 nights after the wedding to illuminate the new couple’s life. Both variations are valid. However, if you have elders in the family you might want to check with them and follow their recommendations.
How Can I Adapt This Tradition To Modern Times?
Traditionally, the wedding lamps were red oil lamps. Red was to symbolise the happy occasion while the oil at the bottom of the lamp kept the wick burning for the required time. Today, using oil lamps may not be convenient as they pose a fire hazard in the bedroom and the smoke emitted by the lamp may damage some of the furniture. Couples today have improvised by using empty oil lamps or electric bedside lamps of all shapes and sizes. Some even use salt lamps which provide a lovely glow!
Just be sure to stick the double happiness sticker on the lamp you plan to use.
Some modern couples may challenge the need to have these lamps as the significance of sons and a happy marriage cannot be proved. While it is true that a happy marriage requires a whole lot more understanding and compromise between the couple, this tradition is nevertheless, a warm Chinese custom that is filled with only good blessings for the couple as they embark on this new life together. Besides, you never know when the customs might just work in your favour! 
