Table Of Content
A Chinese wedding is a beautiful ceremony that unites two families and marks the start of a new life together. Many traditions and practices included in a typical Chinese wedding have been observed for years, one being Si Dian Jin. In this post, learn what you need to know about the tradition and its meanings and why many jewelers still offer Si Dian Jin sets in Singapore.
What is Si Dian Jin?
Si Dian Jin loosely translates to “four touches of gold.” It is a traditional betrothal gift in Chinese culture from the groom’s mother to the bride and consists of a ring, a bangle, a necklace, and a pair of earrings. This betrothal gift is primarily intended to convey the groom’s mother’s blessings and her welcome of the bride into the family and home.
History and Traditions
Si Dian Jin is a centuries-old wedding tradition in Chinese culture that originated in Guangdong’s Chao Shan region. It is commonly followed and practised by the Teochews, and it involves giving the bride four pieces of gold jewelry as a betrothal gift: a bangle, a ring, a necklace, and a pair of earrings.
The groom’s mother will gift her daughter-in-law a set of gold jewelry during the Guo Da Li ceremony. The Chinese phrase for “gold” resembles the curving roofs of Teochew dwellings, implying that the daughter-in-law will be well cared for and warmly welcomed in her new home.
Many Cantonese, Hokkien, and other Chinese households still follow the tradition today, but the custom differs depending on the dialect. For instance, Teochew families frequently present a four-piece set of jewelry, whereas Hokkien and Cantonese families may focus on purchasing just one or two jewelry items.
Core Elements
One or more of the following elements can be seen in Si Dian Jin jewelry designs:
- Flowers symbolise the elegance and beauty of the bride. They also represent the couple’s lifetime of happiness.
- A match made in paradise is symbolised by the dragon and phoenix. It signifies a harmonious balance between the bride and groom and bestows blessings for a long-lasting marriage.
- The Si Dian Jin design incorporates the character Shuang Xi (which translates to “double happiness”) as a symbol of bliss and contentment.
- A pig in the Si Dian Jin design represents fertility and good fortune.
Si Dian Jin: A Traditional Chinese Custom Still Practiced Today
Si Dian Jin is a unique and timeless custom that has been practised in Chinese culture for centuries. It is an ancient craft that has evolved over the years and has taken new forms, with many Si Dian Jin sets in Singapore incorporating modern designs. Often times, the bride and groom are given a budget by the parents to choose their own Si Dian Jin, or they would set an appointment to bring their parents over for a discussion on their ideal betrothal gifts for the lady.
Over at LeCaine Gems, we create modern Si Dian Jin bridal jewelry in 18K champagne gold to replace the conventional 22K yellow gold. With the addition of gemstones and contemporary designs combined with an East-West style, our Si Dian Jin transcends the realm of bridal jewelry so that the bride can wear them on a regular basis and pair them with whichever outfits she desires.
LeCaine Gems is one of the leading retailers of online jewelry in Singapore, providing customers with a wide array of bridal jewelry options for every taste and price range, including lab-grown engagement rings, wedding bands, and more. From delving into intricate designs to informing what you need to know about lab-grown diamonds, LeCaine aims to provide customers with a one-stop shop for all their jewelry needs. Contact us right away, send us a WhatsApp message at +65 8020 0353, or book an appointment and let us assist you in discussing your Si Dian Jin jewelry needs.