The Traditional Chinese Engagement

This is the first time that I actually experienced the Chinese engagement in a very traditional way.

At first, all the gifts were being placed on a table clothed in red by the family of the groom to the bride. Fabrics of all sorts were placed on the table. Sweets such as fruits, candies, cookies, biscuits and etc were being offered also. There weresampaguitas and different kinds of flowers such as chrysanthemum, rose and etc. as well. To highlight the gift offering, 4 sets of jewelries were being offered also, from gold to pearls to diamonds. Luxury watches are an integral part of the engagement ceremony.

The family of the groom will sit on the chairs adjacent to the table clothed in red with all the gifts. The groom waits as the bride will come down the stairs facing backward dressed in a beautiful red dress. The traditional tea offering is being offered to the family of the groom. Then the couple will stand up the members of the groom side will then clad the bride of the jewelries being offered to her and same goes with the bride. Cash in red envelopes were being offered as well. After which, they will sit on a table to eat misua and boiled egg. Everything of course has a symbolism.

After the ceremonies at the bride's place of residence, we then all proceed to the reception which was held at The Century Seafood Restaurant located in Malate, Manila near SM Harrison Plaza, Roxas Blvd.