Taiwan bride throws tradition out the window by swapping paper fan for ‘machine gun’
- Chinese brides customarily throw a paper fan from their wedding car to symbolise a new start in life
In a playful twist on tradition, a bride in Taiwan tossed a toy M16 rifle out of the window of her wedding car instead of the customary paper fan, attracting much attention on social media.
The bride, surnamed Chen, and the groom, Zhang, wanted to give their nuptials on June 15 a unique touch, according to the news network ETtoday.
A video clip shows a smiling Chen in a traditional red dress and veil as she prepared to leave her parents’ home.
Before the car left, she playfully threw out the toy gun, which was decorated with red stickers and ribbons.
“Actually, the gun is quite heavy. I am worried that it might scratch the car,” said Chen.
She then flung the gun as far as she could, symbolising the casting away of “bad temper” before joining her husband’s family.
It is customary in this scenario for the bride to throw a paper fan.
The act, known as fang xing di signifies leaving behind any pettiness at her parental home in order to embrace a harmonious new life with her husband.
Some brides even attach red envelopes to the traditional fan and throw them away together. This shows that they are not taking away any wealth and are ready for a fresh start.
The fan discarded by the bride is usually kept at the home of her parents as a symbol of their enduring connection.
“Throwing a fan just seemed a bit lacklustre, and considering I have quite a temper, my husband suggested switching from a fan to a gun,” Chen told ETtoday.
She immediately agreed and the couple bought the toy M16 to give their wedding an innovative twist.
Reportedly, the groom, who works in the luxury car business, welcomed Chen to his home with 12 luxury cars worth a total of about NT$300 million (US$9.3 million).
The lavish motorcade and the creative gun-tossing act drew bystanders to stop and take photos.
It also delighted online observers.
“If it were my wedding, I might have to toss a truckload of guns,” joked one person.
“With the bride having such a fiery temper, I’m a bit worried for the groom,” added another.
The fan throwing tradition has evolved over time.
Some newlyweds craft handmade fans, while others opt for industrial fans, air conditioners, or ice makers, according to NOWnews.
The exact origin of this custom is unclear, but it has been suggested that it is linked to a legendary battle of wits between the ancient fortune teller Zhou Qian and the “Peach Blossom Girl”.
Throwing the fan was one of the ways the Peach Blossom Girl broke Zhou Qian’s spell.
In Fujian province, southeast China, a similar custom exists but with a different meaning.
Since “fan” is a homophone for “surname” in the local dialect, when a bride throws the fan at her own home, it symbolises leaving her family name behind.
The groom then gives her a new fan, representing her taking his surname.
