In a traditional Chinese wedding, one ritual has endured for thousands of years. As the bride and groom sit side by side, they raise their cups and drink together in the presence of their guests. Today, this is commonly known as the sharing of the cross-cupped wine, but in ancient texts, it bears a more classical name: hejin.
The wine in the cup is not just a drink for the banquet, but a vessel carrying the hopes and blessings of two families. From the simple rites of the Western Zhou dynasty to the joyous banquets of modern times, the form of this ritual has evolved, yet its cultural core of sharing both sweetness and sorrow remains unchanged.
From Bitter Gourd to Shared Cups
The word jin refers to a drinking vessel made by halving a gourd. In ancient weddings, a single gourd was split into two halves. The bride and groom would each take one half, filled with wine, and drink.
They drink from the united gourd.
— The Book of Rites
Legend says the ancients chose the gourd because its inner lining carried a natural bitterness, imparting a slightly bitter taste to the wine. By drinking this bitter wine together, the newlyweds symbolised their union and their commitment to endure hardship and share sweetness in the years to come. Over time, particularly during the Tang and Song dynasties, the hejin ritual evolved. The two cups were connected by a colourful silk thread. In modern times, it has become the familiar custom where the couple cross their arms and drink from their respective cups.
Blessings Shared Together
In Chinese culture, a marriage is not merely the union of two individuals, but the coming together of two families. The wedding banquet is a solemn yet joyous occasion where relatives and friends gather to witness this milestone. In Sichuan, a proper wedding banquet is rarely complete without a bottle of highly aromatic baijiu, serving as both a gesture of hospitality and a medium for sharing joy.
The choice of wine for a wedding often reflects the host's thoughtful wishes. Rooted in the generations-old brewing traditions of Mianzhu, Bainian Qifu · 8 is a natural choice for such celebrations. Its red porcelain bottle and matching red gift box, adorned with gold calligraphy, perfectly echo the auspicious colours of a traditional Chinese wedding. Furthermore, the name Qifu means "blessings, all together", acting as a silent wish for the couple and their guests. As glasses are raised, the smooth entry and lingering sweetness of this five-grain spirit, followed by a full pit aroma and a nutty, caramel-like finish, add a rich layer of flavour to the feast.
Sipping Slowly, Lasting Bonds
Toasting at a lively wedding banquet is an art filled with warmth. The newlyweds typically toast their elders and guests in a respectful sequence, expressing gratitude and respect. In return, the elders raise their cups, offering gentle advice and heartfelt blessings.
In these moments, wine is a bridge for emotion. Chinese baijiu is best enjoyed in moderation, taking small, deliberate sips—especially on such joyous occasions. As guests exchange toasts, they slowly savour the essence of the five grains and the patience of time held within the cup. Much like a good marriage, it requires no rushing; it deepens and grows more fragrant over the years. Long after the banquet concludes, the mellow aroma of the wine and the sincere blessings shared will accompany the couple into their new life together.
