Ding Meng
The formal exchange of birth-date cards (bazi) between two families to finalize a marriage agreement. Formerly known as 'Wen Ding'.
Ding Meng refers to the formal negotiation of a marriage between the families of a man and a woman, involving the exchange of bazi cards (recording the Eight Characters of birth) to establish the marriage contract. This is a critical step in traditional weddings, marking the transition of the marriage agreement from a verbal intention to a written commitment, historically also called 'Wen Ding' or 'Guo Ding'. Because it involves the union of two families and their future fortune, tradition dictates that an auspicious day must be selected to perform the bazi exchange ceremony, believing it brings a harmonious start and positive energy to the marriage. Today, while the practice may be simplified, in many areas that follow tradition, the day for exchanging the bazi or making the formal engagement is still chosen by consulting the almanac (Tong Shu).