Taiwanese Wedding Taboos Explained: What to Avoid Before Saying “I Do”

Are you in the middle of planning one of the most important events of your life? While you’re sweetly organizing your wedding, have you ever thought about those interesting and mysterious Taiwanese wedding taboos? These long-standing customs are more than superstition. Let’s lift the veil together and see what you should pay extra attention to before the big day.

The Hidden Meaning Behind Wedding Cake Boxes: Why Odd Numbers Make Elders Frown

Remember the first time you heard that wedding cake boxes should be given in pairs? It sounds a bit strange at first, doesn’t it? In Taiwanese tradition, even numbers symbolize “good things come in pairs” and a harmonious union. When you send out beautifully prepared wedding cakes in even numbers, it’s like saying to your guests, “May your love be just as complete and blessed.”

On the other hand, odd numbers are often associated with “being alone” or “one without a partner.” Like a mandarin duck that has lost its mate — a little heartbreaking, right? So next time you’re preparing wedding cakes, remember to count: two, four, six, eight… let every box carry your best wishes to family and friends.

Newlywed Bedroom Setup: Which Designs Quietly Drive Good Fortune Away?

Designing the newlywed bedroom is a process full of excitement and hope. In Taiwan, people traditionally believe that the layout of the room affects not only aesthetics and practicality, but also luck and energy.

It’s not just about picking pretty furniture. For example, if the entrance door faces the bathroom directly, it’s considered a major feng shui no-no. It’s as if your good fortune and wealth are being flushed straight away — what a waste!

The position of the bed is even more important. The head of the bed should never face the door; otherwise you may feel restless and uneasy while you sleep. Ideally, it should face east to greet the first ray of morning sunlight, symbolizing new beginnings and vitality. Also, be careful with stair design — having stairs directly aligned with the front door is said to let good luck “rush” right out of the house.

As for the kitchen and bathroom, it’s better if they’re not too close to each other. One is where delicious meals are prepared, and the other is… well, you know. Keeping some distance makes sense from both a feng shui and hygiene perspective.

Getting Married in the Seventh Lunar Month? Why Elders Always Say No

“Don’t get married in the seventh lunar month” — you’ve probably heard this countless times. But do you know why? In traditional belief, the seventh lunar month is when the “Ghost Gate” opens, and spirits are said to roam freely. The atmosphere is considered more yin and inauspicious for major life events.

Modern couples may see this as superstition, but if you choose to marry during this period, many elders will feel uneasy, and some relatives or friends might be reluctant to attend. Instead of making everyone uncomfortable, it may be wiser to pick a date that feels joyful and auspicious to all, so everyone can celebrate your love with peace of mind.

Signing with a Pencil? Your Love Might Be “Erased”

This taboo sounds cute, but the meaning behind it is actually quite serious. Words written in pencil can be erased easily, symbolizing a love that’s unstable or changeable. Using a pen with permanent ink, on the other hand, represents a promise that will not fade.

Imagine signing your marriage certificate with a proper ink pen — that moment of commitment becomes just as lasting as the wedding bands you’ll exchange. Isn’t that the most beautiful picture of love?

The Taboo of Green Gifts: Why This Color Can Be Awkward for Newlyweds

Choosing gifts is always tricky — the last thing you want is to pick the wrong one. In Taiwanese culture, green symbolizes vitality, but it also carries the unfortunate association of “wearing a green hat,” which implies infidelity. Because of this, green isn’t considered an ideal color for wedding gifts.

If you want to give something truly meaningful, consider elegant diamond jewellery or custom wedding bands. These sparkling treasures not only avoid color taboos, but also add a touch of eternity to the couple’s love story.

Is a Winter Wedding Really a Bad Idea? What Tradition Says

Winter’s cold air can make a wedding feel a bit less lively, and traditionally it’s seen as a season with heavier yin energy, not ideal for celebrations. But honestly, if your love burns bright enough, no season can stop your happiness.

That said, if you want a smoother experience, spring and autumn are often considered the best seasons for weddings. Spring symbolizes new life and hope, while autumn represents abundance and fulfillment. Choosing a pleasant day allows guests to relax and enjoy the celebration — which makes the whole event even more perfect.

Proposing on Lunar New Year’s Eve? Romantic… or Just Awkward?

Lunar New Year’s Eve is a time for family reunion. Proposing at that moment might sound romantic in theory, but in reality it can make things a little awkward. Traditionally, it’s believed that deities are “off duty” that night, making it less suitable for important life decisions.

It’s also a time when everyone is busy with New Year preparations, and relatives may not be able to fully focus on your big moment. Instead, choose a special day that truly belongs to the two of you, so this milestone becomes a cherished memory rather than a rushed episode.

Create a Wedding That’s Truly Yours

Now that you know these traditional taboos, do you feel more confident about planning your wedding? Whether you choose to follow tradition or break away from it, the most important thing is your shared happiness. If you’re looking for the perfect engagement ring, try the ALUXE online GIA diamond selector to find “the one” among thousands of certified diamonds. You can also explore our engagement ring collection, with each design created in the name of true love.

Still hesitating? Go ahead and book an in-store consultation. Our diamond consultants will help you plan the perfect proposal from start to finish.

Conclusion: Balancing Tradition and Modern Love

After years of working in the wedding industry, I’ve come to realize that these traditional taboos are really expressions of elders’ love and blessings. They’re like a family handbook of wisdom, carrying generations of hopes for happy marriages.

Of course, times have changed, and we don’t have to be completely bound by these rules. What matters most is understanding the meaning behind them and then finding your own balance between tradition and modern values. Just like choosing a wedding ring — some love classic six-prong designs, others prefer sleek, minimalist styles. There is no right or wrong, only what suits you best.

In the end, marriage is a promise to walk through life together. No matter how many traditions you follow or taboos you break, the most important thing will always be your genuine love and commitment. May every couple find a way to honor tradition, respect their families, and still create a wedding story that is uniquely their own.

Authoritative References

• GIA – Diamond 4C Standards: Learn how to choose high-quality diamonds
• Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC): Ensuring ethically sourced jewellery
• Platinum Guild International: Discover the enduring value of platinum wedding rings