Hong Kong Museum of History.

Chinese traditions dictate that marriage is the most important event of one's life. A marriage is not legitimate unless it goes through six formal rites (六禮). Three letters (三書), on red paper, document and confirm the rites. The term "three letters, six rites" (三書六禮) is used as a singular term to refer to the full formalities of a Chinese marriage.

As in other traditional societies (especially true in Confucian East Asia), marriage was based on the status of the families involved for the purpose of procreation, and usually was arranged via a matchmaker, although love could be a minor factor. Marriage based primarily/solely on love is a very modern, Western concept, and even now, usually expects approval from the parents.