Once out of the house, the bride is sheltered with a red umbrella to ward off any negative elements. The umbrella could be held by the matchmaker, the bridesmaid, or the father of the bride. On the way to the bridal car, the match maker or bridesmaid will throw rice grains and or, red beans for good luck. In the past, the match maker would have to carry the bride on her back while a bridesmaid or helper holds the umbrella to board the sedan. The Hakka brides in the past would cry as a tradition before boarding the sedan, to express the love she has for her parents and family.
After the wedding couple are ready to go, the bride will throw a foldable fan out of the bridal car’s window. This gesture symbolised that the bride will be leaving her past behind and embrace the new chapter of her life. The fan could be picked by anyone from her family.
Traditionally, the journey to the groom’s place will be accompanied by single ladies only. The brothers of the bride are not supposed to follow along either.
Above information courtesy of House of Etiquette
Other Wedding Traditions for Hakka and Cantonese
Betrothal Gift Ceremony 过大礼 (Guo Da Li)
Setting up Matrimonial Bed 安床 (An Chuang)
Hair Combing Ritual 上头 (Shang Tou)
Fetching the Bride 接新娘 (Jie Xin Niang)
Entering the groom’s house 过门 (Guo Men)
Returning to bride’s home 三朝回门 (San Chao Hui Men)
