Chinese marriage symbolism
In China, the dragon and the phoenix are traditionally used in marriage decor symbolising ‘male’ and ‘female’.
These symbols were on the wedding candles, which were blessed and presented to the couple after the exchange of wedding rings, and on a red Chinese blanket that belonged to Dongyun and Mun Sing. Fr Andrew used this to cover the altar.
The red clergy robes, which Fr Andrew wore for the wedding, reflected both the traditional Chinese colour for a wedding, and also the Christian liturgical for celebrating the gift of the Holy Spirit. The ‘Double Happy’ symbol, also traditionally used in Chinese weddings, featured in the Order of Service, as well as the dragon and phoenix symbol.
The couple have kept the Order of Service as a keepsake and given it to family and friends as a memento. At the end of the wedding, ‘candies’ were also blessed and given to guests – another Chinese tradition.
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