The Chinese Tradition of Gold

Traditionally, gold has always had a huge significance in all Chinese traditions. Wedding traditions are no exception. Gold, in particular, yellow gold, signifies wealth, fortune and prosperity. Such symbolism is important in a Chinese wedding as they represent all the good tidings that are to come for the bride and groom.

Following the olden day traditions, where a bride is considered no longer a part of her family and a new addition to the groom's family, gold also represents the good fortune she will bring to her new family. As such, it was important for a bride to wear gold jewellery on the day of her wedding and to arrive at her new home wearing it.

There were other practical benefits of having gold as well. In the event that the family was struggling and required money, the bride could sell her gold for money. Or the more realistic one which relates to the fact that women didn't work in the past and often needed an alternative means of acquiring money in the event that her husband was not able to provide for her or refused to provide for her.

Though the practical reasons for such traditions are no longer valid today, there is still some merit to gold investments. If you buy gold you can be assured of it maintaining its value, unlike paper assets which have the potential to lose considerable value in an economic downturn. These days, instead of jewellery, you can buy gold coins or buy gold bullion. The benefits are that it is more measurable in this form and easier to trade.

It would be an interesting change to the traditional Chinese dowry to buy gold coin or to
buy bullion and offer it as a gift as opposed to the traditional form of jewellery. Personally, I think it would be more practical as well since it is highly unlikely that one would wear such large pieces of gold jewellery about.