A Study on the Cultural Differences Reflected in Chinese and American Wedding Feasts

Abstract

With the globalization of the social economy and the increasingly frequent cultural exchanges between countries, China has gradually been understood by the world, and at the same time has been subjected to the influences of foreign culture, which involves the impact of foreign marriage customs and traditions on our society. Whether in China or America, marriage is an essential thing. Since modern times, my country's marriage customs and traditions have gradually evolved and become more Western, but due to an eclectic mix of history, religious beliefs, and social core values, these caused a plethora of marriage practices in several places in China. The exchange and integration of different cultures is an inevitable part of cultural development. The Western touches in Chinese wedding cultures are clearly seen in many elements of contemporary Chinese weddings. Through the analysis of the characteristics of marriage customs between China and the United States, this paper draws out the reasons for the differences and the common development trend, in order to better understand the way of life of the two countries. The reasons for these differences were excitingly explored and summarized through the comparison of Chinese and Western wedding venues, decorations, wedding dresses, the entourage, color motif and theme, wedding banquets/ meals, table manners, superstitions, and a lot more. This paper hopes that through the analysis of cultural differences between Chinese and Western weddings, we can better understand the cultural fusion between Chinese and Western cultures, and promote the exchange and integration of different cultures.