Rare photos of how to organize the wedding of a noble Chinese family in Qing Dynasty

The rare moments in the biggest day of a Qing noble life have been recorded through Western photographers' lenses.

The Qing marriage ceremony (1644-1911) was basically the same as other traditional marriages of ancient Chinese people. On the wedding day, the new bride (bride) will be consulted by a maid or nephew (nanny) in the house and dressed in red wedding dress, also known as "medical price" , because the Chinese believe that Red symbolizes joy, happiness and luck.

Tan Lang family (groom) will stand in front of the door waiting for the flower palanquin to bring the new lady, then take her to the house. Next, the new couple together performed the rituals and offered tea to their parents. Just like today, after celebrating the family and relatives, the acquaintances will attend a hearty banquet in the sound of trumpets and firecrackers.

Following this, let's go back in time to ancient times, through rare photographs that record the whole process of holding a lady's wedding in the Qing Dynasty's noble family through the lens. by Western photographers.

Picture 1 of Rare photos of how to organize the wedding of a noble Chinese family in Qing Dynasty
The old female monk is trimming her hair for a new lady with thin silk thread.

Picture 2 of Rare photos of how to organize the wedding of a noble Chinese family in Qing Dynasty

The servants in the house are assigned a bun and wear a marriage outfit for the new lady. Through the shaping of the new princess in the picture, many judged that this is a lady from a noble family. Because in the Qing Dynasty, normally only nobles and women in the palace were forbidden to wear a large hat (Filling in) as in the picture.

Picture 3 of Rare photos of how to organize the wedding of a noble Chinese family in Qing Dynasty
Celebrate the bride and the ceremony of the guests attending the wedding ceremony.

Picture 4 of Rare photos of how to organize the wedding of a noble Chinese family in Qing Dynasty
New lang - New worship ceremony .

Picture 5 of Rare photos of how to organize the wedding of a noble Chinese family in Qing Dynasty
. and offer tea to the students.

Picture 6 of Rare photos of how to organize the wedding of a noble Chinese family in Qing Dynasty
New lang and the new lady hesitantly sat side by side on collapsing wood.In ancient times, sometimes until the wedding day, tan lang and neuong were only able to meet for the first time

Picture 7 of Rare photos of how to organize the wedding of a noble Chinese family in Qing Dynasty
The servant prepares food for the new couple.

Picture 8 of Rare photos of how to organize the wedding of a noble Chinese family in Qing Dynasty
According to custom, the servant will pick up the food and bring it to the mouth for the new lang - tan nuong.

Picture 9 of Rare photos of how to organize the wedding of a noble Chinese family in Qing Dynasty
The maids are helping the new lady clean up after having a meal.On the first morning after the wedding day, Tan Thien will have to get up early to ask for security and offer tea to her parents.

Picture 10 of Rare photos of how to organize the wedding of a noble Chinese family in Qing Dynasty

Picture 11 of Rare photos of how to organize the wedding of a noble Chinese family in Qing Dynasty
After fulfilling all the traditional rituals, family and relatives, the acquaintances will attend a hearty banquet in the trumpet, firecrackers.

Besides, there are some pictures in another wedding in the Qing Dynasty. Unlike the lady of the noble family above, the new lady in the photos below must wear a traditional veil and must be taken down by the lobbyist herself into the room.

Picture 12 of Rare photos of how to organize the wedding of a noble Chinese family in Qing Dynasty
Another bride with gaudy costumes and curtains and was brought to the ceremony by servants

Picture 13 of Rare photos of how to organize the wedding of a noble Chinese family in Qing Dynasty
The maids will stay by the side to help the new lady until she enters the room.

  1. Rare images return to Beijing more than 100 years ago
  2. Rare photos of Shanghai more than 150 years ago