Since 2021
Date 03-12-2023
How Many Rings Do We Need for Our Wedding?
When it comes to weddings, a common question arises: How many rings are needed? The answer isn't straightforward; it varies based on tradition and religious practices. Over time, customs have evolved, leading to various interpretations. Moment Diamond aims to explore the distinctions in Thai, Chinese, and Western wedding customs.
Thai Wedding
n traditional Thai weddings, two wedding rings hold significance and are exchanged on the engagement day, marked by the procession seeking the bride. During this ceremony, which includes betel nuts, dowry, and rings, the bride and groom exchange rings, with a unique custom where they wear each other's rings. On the wedding day itself, emphasis is placed on the conch water pouring ceremony, where blessed water from a conch shell is used to anoint the foreheads of the bride and groom, symbolizing purification and bestowing blessings as they begin their life together.
Chinese Wedding
Chinese wedding customs indeed vary across regions and villages, with some adhering to strict ceremonies while others are more relaxed. Typically, in Chinese weddings, two rings are worn together, akin to the Thai ceremony tradition. However, instead of a specific ring exchange ceremony, a significant ritual in Chinese weddings is the tea ceremony. During this ceremony, the newlyweds pay respect to their elders by serving them tea as a gesture of gratitude and to receive blessings for their marriage. This tea ceremony holds deep cultural significance and is a customary part of many Chinese weddings, emphasizing family and respect for elders.
Western Wedding
In Western wedding customs, three rings are typically involved: one engagement ring, used when the man proposes to the woman, often as a surprise planned for his girlfriend, and two wedding rings used during the wedding ceremony. Both parties exchange these rings, often functioning as a symbol of unity or known as a "couple ring."
In contemporary Thailand, wedding customs have evolved significantly. Many couples opt for a Chinese-style ceremony while retaining elements of the traditional Khan Mak procession. It's common to blend the silver and gold gates, adding an element of fun and capturing beautiful photos as keepsakes. Additionally, some individuals of Chinese descent who follow the Christian faith choose to marry in a church setting. Even in these cases, the Chinese tea ceremony tradition persists. Therefore, when summarizing the number of rings needed for marriage, it can vary and be as many bands as agreed upon by both parties.