Wedding Blessings

Two families of different surnames unite in marriage, pledging their vows in one hall, forever joined in a blessed union, a match worthy of equal praise. On this day, peach blossoms glow in splendor, heralding a harmonious home; in years to come, may descendants flourish like trailing melon vines, prosperous and abundant. We solemnly inscribe our pledge to grow old together upon this fine paper, and record our red-leaf covenant in the register of devoted couples.

Two families of different surnames unite and enter into a marriage covenant, forming a blessed and fitting match. When peach blossoms are in full bloom, the time is right for marriage (a reference to the Book of Songs). Their descendants are expected to flourish like spreading melon vines, prospering from generation to generation (another reference to the Book of Songs). Their promise to grow old together is written on paper, and their heaven-sent union, like the lovers brought together by a poem on a red leaf, is recorded in the register of devoted couples. This document bears witness.

Background: This passage appeared on a marriage certificate during the Republic of China era. Classical Chinese often draws on literary allusions and quotations from the classics.

Other passages from marriage certificates of the Republic of China era:

01

As the first stir of yang returns, two families join in harmony,
Celebrating the three blessings, blessed with the four joys,
May five generations flourish, as the phoenix oracle foretells.
The six marriage rites completed, the seven sages all assembled,
The eight classes of instruments sound, singing ninefold harmony,
A union perfect in all ten respects, envied for its conjugal bliss.

02

We rejoice today as the red thread binds you, a perfect pairing of pearls and jade.
May the years ahead see you grow old together, fragrant as sweet osmanthus and orchids.
The rites accord with ancient custom, joining two families in a blessed marriage,
The poems sing of a harmonious home, nurturing a lifetime of quiet happiness.
This document bears witness!

03

The wedding rites are complete, and a blessed union is sealed.
May your affection be steadfast as paired birds and fish, and may you honor each other as guests;
May the auspicious signs of locusts and the qilin promise flourishing descendants.
United in heart and purpose, may you build a harmonious home.
Forever joined as phoenix companions, together pledging the devotion of mandarin ducks and butterflies.
This document bears witness!

04

We rejoice today as the wedding rites are complete and a blessed union is sealed.
The poems sing of the ospreys, and elegant songs praise the qilin's feet.
May auspicious signs promise prosperity through five generations, and blessings spread the virtues of the Two Southern Collections.
United in heart and purpose, may you build a harmonious home.
Honoring each other as guests, may you always share the happiness of fish in water.
Helping each other with sincerity, together pledging the devotion of mandarin ducks.
This document bears witness!

05

From this day, we enter a blessed union and become a loving pair,
Bound already by the red thread, forever harmonious into our white-haired years,
With flowers in bloom and the moon full, we rejoice in newlywed bliss.
May our vows endure until the seas run dry and the rocks crumble, as we first pledge ourselves as devoted companions.
We solemnly make this covenant.

06

The peach tree is young and lovely, its blossoms radiant.
This maiden goes to wed, bringing harmony to her home.
The peach tree is young and lovely, its fruit abundant.
This maiden goes to wed, bringing harmony to her household.
The peach tree is young and lovely, its leaves luxuriant.
This maiden goes to wed, bringing harmony to her family.