Ting Hun(s) are Chinese engagements. Usually, it is done one year before the wedding day. However, living in modern times now, it can be done even months before the wedding.

So what goes on during the Ting Hun? Well, a lot actually. Chinese traditions passed on from generation to generation. If I post everything in here, I might as well write a small book.

Here are some photos I’ve take recently of Wayne and Haidee’s Ting Hun.  This would give you a peak at some traditions done during the ceremony.

A pair of Sin-Na.  These are carried by the members of the boy’s family upon entering the girl’s house.  These would contain the gifts like rice, canned fruits, hopia and sometimes ang pao.   Each Sin-Na would have exactly the same items inside.

A mininum of 6 boxes of ready-to-wear clothes in Chinese engagement boxes.  This is given to the girl for her to wear in her new chaperter in life – as a wife.  The clothes remain in the boxes and are opened after the wedding.

The start of the ceremony  begins with the girl walking backwards towards the groom.  She is assisted by her aunt or perhaps a friend.  In this photo, Haidee chose her aunt to assist her.

A pair of bangles with a red tie is given by the boy’s mother to her future daughter-in-law.

The girl’s mother puts on a men’s watch on her future son-in-law.

The engagement rings.

Tea is served after the exchange of engagement rings.  First, the girl serves the boy’s entourage starting with the eldest in the family.  The tea cup is returned to the tray and the rest of the boy’s guests are served.  When that’s done, the boy then serves tea to the girl’s family.  Again, by seniority.

In the  Tea and Misua eating part of the ceremony, these foods are served.  I particularly liked the Misua.  Haidee’s mom did a very good job in cooking it.  Very delicioius!  The Sweet Tea soup with two eggs is served in the main dining table where the the boy’s entire entourage is seated together with the girl’s parents.

After the tea and misua ceremony, the boy takes the cake with the girl’s name on it and one of his representatives takes the other cake with the boy’s name and carry it outside the house (or building) and brings it back to the girl and receives it.  Stricter tradition would require the boys to circle the house twice.

So there you have it.  A quick overview of what goes on in a Ting Hun.  Perhaps next time, I can show you more pics in Ting Hun 102.