What do you mean by counting tea money? What are the customs of Shaodong's marriage in Shaoyang, Hunan?

Counting tea money refers to a custom that newlyweds offer tea to relatives and friends and collect red envelopes on their wedding day. This custom originated in ancient times. At that time, people thought that drinking tea could get rid of bad taste, symbolizing that newlyweds should get rid of old bad habits and welcome a new life. Receiving red envelopes is a way for relatives and friends to bless the new couple.

The marriage customs of Shaodong in Shaoyang, Hunan Province also have some characteristics. Before the wedding, the bride should "go out and try it on" at home and put on a wedding dress or cheongsam, and then parents, sisters and others will evaluate whether it is suitable. On the wedding day, the groom should go to the bride's house to pick up the bride first, and then carry out the "door-crossing" ceremony. The bride has to step on a small threshold, which symbolizes that she has to cross the obstacles in marriage. In the tea ceremony, the bride should first pay tribute to the groom's parents, and then pay tribute to other elders, relatives and friends. Finally, the bride will hold a "three-return ceremony" at the groom's house, that is, within three days after marriage, she will go back to her parents' house and her husband's house to visit her elders and show her respect and gratitude to her family.

The following are the wedding photos of Shaodong in Shaoyang, Hunan: