Birth and Childhood

Birth Celebrations

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Third Day (三朝)

On the third day after birth: - Bathing ceremony - Introducing to ancestors - Family announcements #

Full Month (满月)

One month celebrations: - Hair cutting ceremony - Red eggs distribution - Feasting relatives #

First Birthday (周岁)

First year celebrations: -抓周 (Zhuazhou) - grasping ceremony - Prediction of future - Gift giving

Childhood Ceremonies

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Hair Cutting

Traditional hair cutting: - Various ages - Regional variations - Symbolic meaning #

Coming of Age

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For Boys (冠礼)

Traditional coming of age: - Capping ceremony - Adult responsibilities - Name formalization #

For Girls (笄礼)

Coming of age for girls: - Hair pinning ceremony - Marriage preparation - Adult status

Marriage Ceremonies

Traditional Wedding Process

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Six Rites (六礼)

1. 问名 (Asking names) - Matchmaking 2. 纳采 (Presenting gifts) - Betrothal 3. 纳征 (Presenting bride price) - Dowry exchange 4. 请期 (Selecting date) - Wedding date 5. 亲迎 (Fetching the bride) - Bridal procession #

Wedding Day

Morning: Gathering at bride's home Noon: Bridal procession Afternoon: Wedding ceremony Evening: Reception and feast

Wedding Elements

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Traditional Attire

- Qipao/cheongsam for bride - Tang suit for groom - Traditional accessories #

Ceremony Customs

- Tea ceremony - Bow to ancestors - Bow to parents - Bow to each other #

Wedding Banquet

- Multi-course meals - Wine serving traditions - Gift giving - Entertainment

Funeral Traditions

Pre-Funeral Preparations

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Death Announcements

- Informing relatives - Community notification - Funeral arrangements

Funeral Ceremonies

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Wake Period

- Traditional wake (守灵) - Vegetarian meals - Ritual offerings - Buddhist/Taoist ceremonies #

Funeral Day

- Funeral procession - Grave site ceremonies - Burial or cremation

Post-Funeral

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Mourning Period

- 49 days of mourning - Memorial tablets - Ancestor worship #

Tomb Sweeping

- Annual visits - Qingming traditions - Offerings

Ancestor Veneration

Daily Practices

- Ancestor tablets - Morning incense - Food offerings

Annual Ceremonies

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Spring Festival

- New Year Eve dinner - Ancestor greetings - Red envelopes #

Qingming Festival

- Tomb sweeping - Spring offerings - Family gatherings #

Mid-Autumn

- Moon appreciation - Ancestor recognition - Family reunions #

Winter Solstice

- Year-end thanksgiving - Ancestor ceremonies

Lifecycle Anniversary

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Birthday Remembrances

- Ancestor birthdays - Deceased anniversaries