The logic between nature and culture: food in the wedding traditions across East Asia

Abstract Based on the author’s fieldwork in China and Japan, literature research study of specimen materials video data weddings ROK, Japan China, which are collected by National Museum Ethnology (or Minpaku), this paper attempts to explore cultural symbolic significance that humans bestow food, further reveal diversity East Asia common structure human mind comparing flow food ways scopes wedding foods consumed Asia. In customs, expectations through for bride’s fertility her belonging husband’s patrilineal family very common. However, eating behaviors express groom rare, only slightly visible dry bonito at time engagement 12 bowls rice will eat day Yao China. Dried signifies virility victory men, reflecting features Japanese maritime culture influence samurai history. Asian rituals diverse form, but commonality among them can also be seen, is, beings find meanings different natural environments correspond society, then internalize attributes homophonic pun, imitation other ways. Food is used people’s best wishes happiness newlyweds’ families, have descendants longevity their marriage.