Abstract

Chinese traditional cultures differ a lot from western culture, reflecting in all aspects of social life. Marriage is an important ceremony of social life. Every country forms its own marriage customs because of various cultural backgrounds. 

This thesis is a study on Chinese-Western marriage customs. I analyze the differences and reasons of marriage customs, from the perspective of religion, culture, personalities, marriage concepts and value orientation as well as how we can treat this phenomenon. With this study, it can make people learn about differences of Chinese-Western culture. And it is meaningful for culture fusion because of the trend of globalization.  

Key words: marriage customs, Chinese-Western, differences, reasons, ways

CONTENTS

中文摘要

Abstract

1. Introduction ... 1

2. The Process of Traditional Chinese Wedding Etiquette..2  

2.1 Making proposing..2

  2.2 Asking the name and fortune.2 

2.3 Sending betrothal presents to the bride’s family3

  2.4 Discussing the date of the marriage..3

  2.5 Wedding ceremony3

3. The Process of Traditional Western Wedding Etiquette..4

4. Different Sides of Marriage Customs between Chinese and Western Cultures.4

  4.1 Customary practices prior to wedding ceremony4

     4.1.1 The choosing of a spouse.4

     4.1.2 Making the proposal..5

  4.2Procedure of Wedding Ceremony.5

     4.2.1 Wedding location..5

     4.2.2 Wedding dress6

  4.3 Customary practices after wedding ceremony6

5. Reasons for the Differences between Chinese and Western Marriage Customs7

  5.1 Geographical environment analysis..7

  5.2 Different religious beliefs.7

  5.3 Value orientation analysis8

  5.4 Different ethics and morals.8

6. Conclusion..9

Works Cited.11