May 5, 2015

Nang Chong Stories : Bridal Suitcases


No automatic alt text available. In the 1950's most Foochow brides were given two suitcases like these as part of their dowry.  These would either be bought in Singapore by order from shops like Tai Lung or Tai Sing.

Dresses, textiles or materials, pajamas, jewellery were placed in them as going away gifts from their parents.  But what was even more important was the custom of the gifts of a red packet of cash. At the bottom one of the two or three, if the parents were richer,  suitcases would be a red packet of money for the bride to start her new life well. 

In Foochow this red packet of money is called, the "pressed or weighted" money was prepared by the bride's parents, one to represent the auspicious moment of a girl leaving her home for her future, and two, the preparedness of the bride's family to "press" some money into her hands.

The special cipher lock was very useful for the bride to protect her possessions.

Sometimes the different gifts would go with the bride on the wedding day but some other families would choose a special day to send over the gifts. When an auspicious day was set, the suitcases would be sent over to the groom's house. 

This was very much a part of Foochow wedding traditional practice in the 50's in Sibu.

Today some parents still practise this, to make the wedding preparations very merry and memorable. Many however do without it.

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