Engagement
The formal establishment of a marriage contract.
Engagement is a crucial step where a man and a woman formally establish a marriage contract. In traditional wedding customs, the engagement ceremony usually includes steps like the groom's family presenting betrothal gifts and the bride's family offering return gifts, symbolizing the union of two families into in-laws. In the past, great importance was placed on choosing the engagement date. It was selected based on the couple's birth charts (八字) to avoid inauspicious days, hoping for a smooth contract and a happy future marriage. While modern people may not strictly follow all ancient rituals, the practice of choosing an auspicious date for engagement remains widespread.