📖 Meaning
A formal, properly arranged marriage conducted through all the traditional rituals. It emphasizes that the union was solemnized with full ceremonial propriety, leaving no room for impropriety or informality.
📜 Origin Story
In ancient Chinese marriage customs, tea was an indispensable betrothal gift because the tea plant was believed to be impossible to transplant once rooted — symbolizing a bride's unwavering fidelity to her husband. The 'three teas' refer to tea offered during the betrothal, the wedding, and the consummation. The 'six ceremonies' (六礼), codified in the Zhou dynasty text 'Yili' (Book of Etiquette and Ceremonial), are: nacai (proposal), wenming (name inquiry), naji (divination), nazheng (betrothal gifts), qingqi (date-setting), and qinying (fetching the bride). Ming dynasty scholar Chen Yaowen documented these practices in 'Tianzhong Ji', Volume 44.
💡 Example Usage
他们家是经三茶六礼明媒正娶的，全村人都来道贺。
Their family went through the full three teas and six ceremonies in a proper, open marriage, and the entire village came to offer congratulations.
🏷️ Category
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🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 三茶六礼
- Pinyin: sān chá liù lǐ
- Literal Translation: three teas, six ceremonies
- Category: Lifestyle
- Characters: 4