Weddings are times of celebration, where friends and family come together to commemorate the unification of two lives. In Singapore, wedding customs and traditions vary widely across the different races and religions, reflecting the cultural uniqueness between communities.
From vibrant Indian ceremonies to solemn Christian vows and regal Malay traditions, the diverse customs offer equally diverse ways of celebrating love and unity – each packed with its own meanings and cultural significance.
Among these traditions, we will be looking into the tradition of Chinese wedding pastries, exploring their origin and cultural significance, especially in these contemporary times.
So if this sounds like the read you need, let’s get right at it!
What are Chinese Wedding Pastries (Xi Bing)?
Chinese wedding pastries, also known as 喜饼 (pronounced as xǐ bǐng), are traditional pastries gifted during weddings as a symbol of joy, gratitude and blessings. These pastries hold deep cultural significance in Chinese society, dating back to historical times when they were given as a prelude to the official wedding ceremonies to spread the news of the marriage.
The warlord Liu Bei solidified his alliance with Sun Quan by sending betrothal gifts and dowry cakes as a goodwill gesture before marrying the emperor’s sister, Lady Sun.
“The history of this practice can be traced back to the Late Eastern Han Dynasty (161-223) to the Warlord, Liu Bei, who before marriage, gave out pastries to demonstrate his wealth and generosity. This eventually evolved into the tradition we see today.”
In the earlier days, these wedding pastries were given by the family of the groom to the bride’s family to announce the wedding to friends and relatives – serving as a form of confirmation of the marriage.
You can thus imagine that these pastries are a form of goodwill and the promise of commitment towards the marriage.
During those times, wedding pastries were given at the time of engagement and ceremony due to the often lengthy period separating both events. These days, however, pastries are typically only sent out once, after the engagement and before the wedding ceremony, due to the typically shorter duration between the events.
What is the meaning behind the Wedding Xi Bing (喜饼)?
Xi Bing can be pronounced as “See–Bing”
The word “Xi” (喜) in Xi Bing in Chinese, conveys a meaning of joy and happiness – such as the word “Xi Huan” (喜欢) which means to like – representing the blissfulness and joy of marriage, while the word “Bing” (饼) refers to a pastry or cake.
The Xi Bing thus represents the shared joy of marriage, packaged within an edible treat.
The symbolism of the Xi Bing, however, does not stop with its name as the characters written on the surface and the ingredients within also carry their meaning.
Xi Bing imprinted with the double happiness (囍: Xi)
On the surface of the pastry, it is common to often see the word “囍” (also pronounced as Xi) imprinted, representing double happiness – being the ligature of the word Xi” (喜) mentioned above.
Another word “Fu” (福) is also sometimes imprinted, standing for luck.
The ingredients within the pastry are carefully selected based on their respective symbolisms and depend on the type of Xi Bing (more on that later), with common ingredients including:
- Lotus Seeds (莲子: Lian Zi) – symbolise fertility and the wish for many children, as “莲” sounds like “连” (both pronounced as “Lian”) which means continuity. The lotus is known to produce numerous seeds, representing having many children.
- Red Bean Paste (红豆沙: Hong Dou Sha) – represents joy and happiness as the colour red is associated with auspiciousness and celebration in Chinese culture. Red beans have also been used to convey emotion between lovers, as “love seeds” within Chinese literature and poetry.
- Salted Egg Yolks (蛋黄: Dan Huang) – the roundness of yolks symbolizes the harmony and wholeness of the marriage, signifying completeness and unity.
- Nuts (坚果: Jian Guo) – nuts such as peanuts, chestnuts and walnuts convey the hope of early offspring, notably sons (due to the Chinese preference for sons), soon after marriage.
- Dates (枣: Zao) – symbolise fertility and the wish for a speedy addition to the family, as “枣” (date) sounds like “早” (early) (both pronounced as “Zao”)
- Candied Melon (糖瓜: Tang Gua), Almonds (杏仁: Xing Ren), and Sesame (芝麻: Zhi Ma) – represent sweetness and harmony in the couple’s future life.
The Taboos of the Wedding Xi Bing (喜饼)
Interestingly, there is one specific taboo related to the Wedding Xi Bing that you should take note of – if you’re the bride. Superstitions hold that the bride should avoid eating the Xi Bing used during the Guo Da Li Ceremony when presented to the families of the bride (and sometimes also the groom).
It is believed that by consuming the Xi Bing, the bride is figuratively eating away her happiness and that by biting off their round edges, she would no longer have a fulfilling marriage.
“This is due to the word “round” being represented by the word “Yuan” (圓) which is also used in the word “Fulfilling” (圓滿: Yuan Man).”
Apart from this taboo, some other superstitions include:
- Never give out the Xi Bing in multiples of four – the number four is typically considered an unlucky number due to its pronunciation resembling the Chinese word for “death” – both being pronounced as “Si”.
- Lotus seeds must be fresh – as a blessing of fertility, dried or old lotus seeds are said to turn the fertility blessing stale.
- Peanuts should be avoided for Hokkien folks – in Hokkien, the word for peanut is “tua-tau” (大豆) or “tau” (豆), which sounds similar to phrases implying “hardship” or “difficulty” in the Hokkien dialect.
- Lotus and Red Bean Xi Bings should not be packed together – individually, both have positive meanings where the lotus symbolises fertility and continuity while the red bean symbolises longing and separation in a romantic context. It is however believed that placing them together instead suggests separation and challenges.
When is the Wedding Xi Bing (喜饼) given?
As hinted above, the Xi Bing is typically presented as a gift during the Guo Da Li (过大礼) ceremony which occurs on an auspicious date two to four weeks before the official wedding ceremony.
The Guo Da Li ceremony is an important moment in the Chinese Wedding tradition, being the first formal meeting between the families on both sides.
“Guo Da Li also known as the “matrimonial rite of passage”, symbolises the merging of both families, bridging two lives and families into one and celebrating it through gift-giving.”
The Xi Bing is typically presented to the bride’s family at the start of the ceremony – sometimes known as Li Li (礼礼). Following, the bride’s family also presents their own set of gifts to the groom’s family as a form of reciprocation – known as Hui Li (回礼) – which may sometimes include Xi Bings.
While the betrothal gifts to the bride’s family may include a myriad of items ranging from roast pork to jewellery, the traditional Wedding Xi Bing is never left out due to its cultural significance.
What are some different types of Wedding Xi Bings (喜饼)?
Wedding Xi Bings come in many forms with unique fillings, ranging from sweet to savoury or baked to steamed. Some common wedding Xi Bings to take note of include:
- Lotus Seed Paste Cakes (莲蓉饼: Lian Rong Bing) – the classic choice, symbolizing fertility and prosperity, often paired with salted egg yolks for added richness and auspiciousness.
- Red Bean Paste Cakes (红豆饼: Hong Dou Bing) – representing joy and happiness, these pastries are a popular choice for spreading sweetness among loved ones.
- Double Happiness Cakes (双喜饼: Shuang Xi Bing) – imprinted with the “Double Happiness” symbol, these cakes emphasize marital bliss and unity.
- Wife Cakes (老婆饼: Lao Po Bing) – a traditional Cantonese pastry with a sweet winter melon filling, representing sweetness and harmony in marriage.
- Sesame Candy Pastries (芝麻糖饼: Zhi Ma Tang Bing) – symbolize prosperity and abundance for the newlyweds.
- Prosperity Candies (喜糖: Xi Tang) – often paired with Xi Bing, representing sweetness and joy, showering blessings on the couple.
- Twill cakes (菱酥: Ling Sou) – depending on their fillings, symbolise different meanings such as auspiciousness (red bean), the blessing of man’s success (salted egg yolk, mung bean), fertility (lotus seeds).
- Chinese cupcakes (大蛋糕: Da Dan Gao) – sometimes baked in a flower shape, these cakes are commonly associated with spring blossoms. The expansion of the cake during baking is said to also represent the expansion of riches.
Are there any alternatives to Wedding Xi Bings (喜饼)?
While the traditional Xi Bings are an irreplaceable part of the Guo Da Li celebration, modern takes of these confectionaries have become increasingly common, blending the traditional and contemporary.
Some fresh spins on the confectionaries include:
- Cakes, cupcakes – such as the Guo Da Li cupcakes by Baker’s Brew, Premium Cake set by The Pine Garden
- Macarons, Financiers – such as the Modern Xi Bing box by Keong Saik Bakery,
- Tarts – such as the Double Happiness Guo Da Li Box of Ten tarts by Edith Patisserie, Guo Da Li Fruit tarts by The Pine Garden
Despite being different from the original forms, the well-wishes and meaning behind these gifts persist, allowing the Xi Bing to evolve with time but continue to honour the classical traditions.
What Wedding Xi Bing (喜饼) should I get?
With the wide varieties of Xi Bings to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which to get, aside from the standard lotus variant. To impress your in-laws, you can go with dialect-specific options that convey your thoughtfulness when picking out your betrothal gifts.
#1 Hokkien
When it comes to preparing for a Hokkien Guo Da Li ceremony, your Xi Bing selection should be sure to contain some Hokkien-unique choices.
The first is Rice biscuits and Sesame biscuits, together known as “米佬麻佬” (Mi Lao Ma Lao). These biscuits are said to bring newlyweds luck, wealth and prosperity – being once premium items only affordable to the rich.
Alongside, traditional Peanut Sugee (传统福建贡糖: Chuan Tong Fu Jian Gong Tang) that symbolises a fulfilling marriage.
Ji Hong sweets (吉红糕: Jie Hong Gao) are also a must-have, symbolizing auspiciousness and longevity, blessing the newlyweds with a lifetime of happiness.
Finally, the Hokkien Red Packet Candies (红纸包: Hong Zhi Bao) in 6 varieties: (1) Mi Fang (米方), (2) Dou Tang (豆糖), (3) Ruan Tang (软糖), (4) Xiang Gao (香糕), (5) Gong Tang (贡糖), and (6) Dou Sha Bing (豆沙饼) – blessing the couple with joy and sweetness.
#2 Teochew
With Teochew Guo Da Li ceremonies, you can begin with the Sesame candy and Peanut candy (芝麻花生条: Zhi Ma Hua Sheng Tiao) which symbolise fertility and an abundance of children.
Tangerine slices (大吉大利: Da Ji Da Li) are another essential, signifying abundant luck and prosperity in the Teochew culture.
Last but not least are the five-coloured candies – (1) Dou Gong (豆贡), (2) Ming Tang (明糖), (3) Lao Ma Gao (老妈糕), (4) Dou Run (豆润) and (5) Dou Sha Bing (豆沙饼).
Newlyweds who still have living grandparents should also remember to include Lao Ma Gao and Lao Gong Bing pastries as a form of respect towards their elders.
#3 Cantonese & Hakka
For Cantonese and Hakka Guo Da Li ceremonies, two must-haves are the dragon and phoenix cakes that represent the perfect divine match, symbolizing the auspicious union between the bride and groom.
Accompanying these divine pastries is the four-coloured biscuits (四色饼: Si Se Bing), comprising of the Dou Sha Bing (豆沙饼) and Hong Dou Sha (红豆沙饼) biscuits.
Hakka Guo Da Li ceremonies may also sometimes include pine cakes and lotus seed cakes which signify fertility and prosperity for the couple.
#4 Hainanese
Hainanese Guo Da Li ceremonies call for two confections that hold deep meaning in the Hainanese culture – the Hainan Ginteh (海南煎堆: Hai Nan Jian Dui) and Ta Yun Pian (云片糕: Yun Pian Gao).
Together, these confectionaries symbolise tremendous wealth and prosperity for the couple, promising abundant riches and fortune in their future.
How many Wedding Xi Bing (喜饼) should I get?
The number of Xi Bing boxes you will require depends on how many people you plan to gift them to. Typically, this will include individuals such as your relatives and your friends (people who are planning to invite) and the boxes that will be given to the bride during Li Li or returned to the groom during the Hui Li.
“The Xi Bing is typically given together with the formal invitation for the wedding ceremony.”
To avoid running short, you should order a few extra boxes to ensure that everyone on your list, including any unexpected additions, receives one – after all, your wedding will be one of the most important events in your life so why take the risk?
Where can you get Wedding Xi Bing (喜饼)?
When looking to get Wedding Xi Bings, you are very much spoiled for choice in Singapore. Whether you’re looking for dialect-specific, traditional or modern options, there is a wide variety of places you can choose from.
With dialect-specific and traditional Xi Bings, some popular options include:
1. 603 Tau Sar Piah – 603 Tau Sar Piah is a family-owned bakery that has served traditional handmade traditional pastries and sweets for over 20 years. While their selections may not be as extensive as other options, this allows them to in turn place their utmost effort in making confectionaries of exceptional quality – exemplifying the phrase “quality over quantity”.
2. Neo Kian Guan Confectionery & Cakes – Neo Kian Guan Confectionery & Cake has earned a reputation as being one of the best Xi Bing bakers in Singapore, with a focus on providing high-quality traditional confectionaries.
Even though they started primarily offering Hokkien confectionaries, they have since branched out to offer them for the other main dialect groups, including Cantonese, Teochew, and Hainan.
3. Thiam Yim Confectionary – Thiam Yim Confectionary is well-known for its Guo Da Li cakes and Xi Bings, being around since the late 1980s. With over three decades of practice, Thiam Yim is guaranteed to satisfy your needs, with popular offerings including the Si Se Bing, Tau Sar Bing and Wedding Slice cakes.
4. Gin Thye – Boasting an extensive offering for all dialects – from Teochew to Cantonese and Hokkien – Gin Thye has been loyally serving their customers since the early 1960s. Being recognized by the National Heritage Board of Singapore (HLB) as a traditional brand, you can rest assured that you are only getting the best with Gin Thye.
5. Thye Moh Chan – Since the 1940s, Thye Moh Chan has been well-received for their handcrafted traditional confectionaries, specializing in specifically Teochew goods. Made skilfully with techniques passed down through the generations, their pastries continue to remain at a high standard through the decades.
With modern options, you can check out:
1. Kai’s Bakes – Kai’s Bakes offers a variety of bakes such as tartlets and cakes for occasions such as Guo Da Li and even baby showers (for once you have kids after marriage). Being fully customizable to your liking, their bakes are sure to leave you and your guests satisfied.
2. A.Dough Bakes – A.Dough Bakes, similarly, offers a wide variety of bakes such as Madeleines and Pound Cakes, with unique flavours such as lemon drizzle and black sesame. From Guo Da Li to Baby Showers, their boxes are fully customizable to your liking, allowing you to curate a selection specially for your celebration.
3. Pulse Patisserie – while the customization at Pulse Patisserie might not be as extensive as the above options, their bakes already look so good that you don’t even need to customize them.
With their Guo Da Li box, you can choose an assortment of confectionaries including tarts, chiffon rolls, fudge balls and even macarons – a range wide enough to fulfil all your preferences.
4. Sweetest Moments – Sweetest Moments is a popular brand that specialises in providing delicious treats of all sorts for your wedding, ranging from Guo Da Li packages to Wedding cakes and cupcakes.
While their selections are the least customizable, they do offer a wide variety that you can pick from and have the extra advantage of being halal-certified – making them perfect if you have Muslim friends.
When should you order your Wedding Xi Bing (喜饼)?
You should order your Wedding Xi Bings at least 3 months before your Guo Da Li ceremony (or when you intend to give them out). This would ensure that the bakers have sufficient time to prepare your order (especially if you have specific requests) and to accommodate for any unforeseen delays.
Conclusion
While times are changing and modern weddings continue to evolve, the significance of the Wedding Xi Bing (喜饼) has endured as a cherished tradition in the Chinese culture, whether steeped in traditional flavours or given a modern twist.
These pastries are more than just delightful treats – carrying deep symbolic meaning, representing blessings, gratitude, and the union of two families.