Double Happiness (囍): A Symbol of Love and Unity in Chinese Weddings

Planning a Chinese wedding or incorporating Chinese elements into your wedding? You've likely encountered the beautiful and iconic Double Happiness symbol (囍 - shuāngxǐ). This isn't actually a Chinese character, but a design motif. It is formed by combining two 喜 (xǐ) characters, meaning "joy," and linking them together. This visually represents "double happiness", making it an essential element of Chinese wedding culture, symbolizing love, unity, and a blessed marriage. DARABARA features beautiful accessories with the Double Happiness symbol.

The Story Behind the Symbol:

The Double Happiness symbol's origins are often linked to a story from the Tang Dynasty. It involves a student traveling to the capital for an imperial examination. He fell ill and was cared for by an herbalist and his daughter. The student and daughter fell in love. Upon his recovery, the young woman gave half of a couplet to him. He used the half-couplet to skillfully answer a question during his exam, gaining the emperor's favor and a ministerial position. He reunited with the herbalist and his daughter, he presented his half, the couplets perfectly matched, he received her hand in marriage. The student doubled the character for "happy" to celebrate both his success and his upcoming wedding. This doubled character, written on red paper, became a wedding decoration, establishing the Double Happiness symbol as a tradition. Other interpretations say it was created in the Song Dynasty for the wedding of the emperor's chancellor.

Meaning and Significance:

• Double Joy: The symbol signifies double the happiness – the joy of the bride and groom, and also the joining of two families.

• Unity and Harmony: The two connected xǐ characters symbolize the union of two individuals into one, representing a harmonious partnership.

• Blessings for a Happy Marriage: The symbol serves a visual blessing, wishing the couple a lifetime of love, happiness, and good fortune.

• Goodness and positivity: The emblem signifies goodness and positivity.

Incorporating Double Xi into Your Wedding:

The Double Happiness symbol appears all over traditional Chinese Wedding Ceremonies. Here are some ways to incorporate it into a modern wedding:

• Invitations: Begin with wedding invitations featuring the Double Happiness emblem.

• Wedding Decor: Use the symbol in decorations, from wall hangings and table centerpieces to cake toppers and backdrops. It is traditionally displayed on vibrant red paper.

• Jewelry and Accessories: Brides can wear jewelry with the Double Happiness symbol, like earrings, necklaces, or bracelets.

• Wedding Favors: Offer guests small gifts that includes the symbol, for instance keychains, coasters, or custom-made chocolates.

• Red Envelopes: The symbol is commonly found on hongbao (red envelopes) which are gifts given during weddings.

Beyond Weddings:

While it is traditionally associated with weddings, the Double Happiness symbol's meaning extends beyond weddings. It's also used for other celebrations. It is now a general symbol of good luck and happiness, seen on many products, from luxury goods to everyday items.