In an exhibition of embroidery I visited some weeks ago, apart from the tiger theme, there was a theme on dragon. To the Chinese, the dragon not only symbolizes bravery, power and prestige but is also esteemed as an auspicious creature. In the Ancient Book of Changes the dragon conjures up the highest aspiration and perfection, full of life and enthusiasm, soaring into the clouds, mysterious and lofty.
(A tradition new bed made ready for the newly-weds. The character on the drape is "Double Happiness")
The last but most interesting theme was marriage. In the Chinese tradition, the new bed is of great importance in a wedding. On the auspicious day selected according to the lunar calendar, which is a couple of days preceding the wedding, the new bed is moved to the right position by a man of good luck. The position must be calculated to match the Eight Diagrams figures for the bride's and groom's dates of birth. The bed is forbidded to be placed vis-a-vis the sharp angles of tables or cabinets.
Afterwards, the bed sheets are arranged by a lady with a big extended family. She puts on the bed wedding sweets, dried lychees, red beans, green beans and two red packets.
When the bed is set, no one is allowed on it, especially widows and divorcees. Babies are of exception, however, for fecundity reason.
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