What is a Hair Combing Ceremony?

Introduction to the Chinese Hair Combing Ceremony

Weddings are a significant milestone in a person’s life. It is a joyful occasion, and for the Chinese it is not only an important life event for the person getting married, but for their family members too. Chinese traditions and pre-wedding rituals have been passed down from generation to generation, and are practiced accordingly. Even to this day, they remain an essential part of Chinese weddings.

What is the true meaning behind the hair combing ceremony, and why is it important?

One such tradition is the hair combing ceremony. Dating back to ancient China, it symbolizes the bride-to-be and the groom-to-be’s transition into adulthood. It is believed that after this ceremony, the young person would be considered ready for the next stage of their life: marriage. In modern day, this tradition has evolved and become a popular pre-wedding ritual practiced by many.

When and where should the ceremony be performed?

Either one of the two days for the hair combing ceremony to be performed: it can take place on the night before the wedding, or it can also be done early in the morning of the wedding day. The choice of day and time heavily depends on an auspicious time in accordance with the Chinese calendar. As for the venue, this ceremony is usually performed separately for the bride and groom at their own respective homes. It is generally performed for the groom half an hour earlier than for the bride.

Who takes part in the ceremony?

Apart from the bride and groom, a person of good fortune has to be present and perform the hair-combing. The requirements of the person deemed to have good fortune is that his or her parents and children are present and are of good health. Usually, a woman is chosen to do this practice, but a man can also perform it. Mothers or relatives of the couple are preferred.

Back in the day, the families of the couple would attend the ceremony as it is seen as a major life-changing event. Today, they are still welcome to attend, but it is no longer as common.

How is the hair combing ceremony performed?

• The bride and groom must first take a bath, its water infused with pomelo leaves or pomegranate leaves. This is believed to ward off evil spirits.
• They then put on fresh, new, red or pink nightwear. These colours are considered lucky for Chinese celebrations.
• They then sit by a window where the moon is in clear view or there is a mirror while items are prepared for the hair combing. These items include the dragon phoenix candles, joss sticks and an offering of lotus seeds, dried longan, roasted pork or chicken and lucky fruits. There should also be a round comb for the bride and a pointed comb for the groom, Thuja leaves, red string, and three bowls of glutinous rice balls in sweet soup, with six or nine rice balls in each.
• The dragon phoenix candles and joss sticks are lit, and the bride and groom pray to the heavens and their ancestors.
• The person of good fortune combs their hair four times while reciting a blessing for each time:

May you be together all your lives from beginning until the end.

May you be blessed with a happy, harmonious and intimate marriage until old age.

May your home be filled with your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

May you enjoy abundant wealth and an everlasting marriage.

6. Afterwards, the groom puts the Thuja leaves and red string in his pocket whereas the bride ties these items onto her hair.
7. They then eat the rice balls, a representation of a wonderful, everlasting marriage.
8. The ceremony is complete once the dragon phoenix candles burn out, and the bride and groom can go to sleep.