Traditional Asian Bridal Wear
Although the Western culture has greatly influenced the wedding fashion in other continents, many Asian brides choose to wear an ensemble traditional to that of their culture. Multiple countries form the continent of Asia, with countless wedding rituals and traditions among the countries. Some of more traditional Asian bridal wear stands out from five of the Asian countries.
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China
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In northern China, the traditional wedding dress is called the Qi Pao, which is a one-piece dress elaborately embroidered with gold and silver designs. Brides in southern China traditionally wear a two piece dress called a Cheongsam, which is also embroidered, often with a golden phoenix and dragon. The dragon and phoenix symbolize the balance of male and female power. Many wedding dresses are red because the color is considered a strong color that brings good luck and drives away evil spirits.
Japan
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In Japan, a bride will dress in a traditional white Japanese wedding kimono called a shiro-maku. This white kimono is worn for the wedding ceremony and another, more colorful kimono is worn over the shiro-maku for the reception. Brides also wear a white wedding hood to signify serenity and patience. Japanese brides carry a small purse (hakoseko), a sheathed dagger (kaiken) and a traditional Japanese fan in the obi belt.
Vietnam
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A Vietnamese bride will wear a red (or bright pink) and yellow ao dai (long dress), embroidered with bright yellow patterns that symbolize happiness and prosperity. An outer robe is often worn to create a formal look. The collar, cuff or back are trimmed with the couples' names or lovely images. Brides wear a matching headpiece that is often made of woven dried leaves. Vietnamese brides often change their dress up to four times during the wedding festivities.
India
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In India, the traditional dress worn by the bride is a sari, often in the color red to ward off evil spirits. Wealthy families embroider the bridal gown with gold thread and stitch precious stones into the sari. Some brides in India wear a long red skirt called a lengha with extravagant embroidery paired with a short blouse (also embroidered). Traditionally Indian brides wear a veil that matches their gown.
Korea
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Traditional Korean bridal gowns consist of an elaborately embroidered and layered gown with a red skirt and yellow jacket symbolizing joy and life. The short jacket with sleeves is called a chogori. It has two long ribbons that tie, making the otkorum (traditional tie found on Korean garb). The long skirt, or chima, is high-waisted and wraps around the body. Brides traditionally wear boat-shaped shoes made of silk.
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- Photo Credit beach wedding image by chinatiger from Fotolia.com
