Marriage coin charm

Symbols of union

These charms display motifs that represent a happy marriage. A dragon and phoenix together symbolise the union of a man and woman. In Vietnam, this pairing also reflects imperial authority. Other common images include fish, which stand for abundance and joyful harmony. Geese appear on some charms to represent lifelong fidelity, based on legends about their monogamous nature. Lotus seeds and pomegranates are frequent features, wishing the couple continuous births and male offspring.

Inscriptions and texts

Many charms carry specific inscriptions rather than just images. The phrase Fenghua Xueyue translates to wind, flowers, snow, and moon. This obscure verse can describe a lively place or refer to goddesses. Some charms reference the poem Song of Unending Sorrow by Bai Juyi. These pieces show couples in various positions around a central hole, linking romantic love with literary tradition. Other inscriptions ask for long life, riches, and honour.

Sex education role

Some charms function as mnemonic tools for newlyweds. They depict sexual acts to guide the couple in fulfilling their duty to produce heirs. This practice dates back to the Tang dynasty when graphic depictions became common. The term secret play coins describes these explicit items. They were sometimes used in brothels to help travellers communicate desires without knowing the local language.

Historical origins

The custom links to ancient spring rituals where young people sang love songs across streams. This tradition survives among some ethnic minorities in China today. Charms often imitate standard cash coins but vary widely in shape. Some use bronze melted from Buddhist statues, making them especially auspicious. Zhengde Tongbao and Zhouyuan Tongbao inscriptions are popular choices for these wedding amulets.

How Marriage coin charm is kept

Families present these charms during the betrothal or ceremony. The objects act as gifts that convey wishes for fertility and harmony. Couples may keep them as keepsakes or display them in the home. The charms often accompany other traditional wedding items like mirrors or candles.

When and where

They are used during the betrothal phase and the main wedding ceremony. The timing aligns with traditional spring rituals and ancestral worship duties.

The custom is strongest in China, Vietnam, Japan, and Korea. It appears in regions with deep Confucian and Daoist influences.

What Marriage coin charm means

The charms embody hopes for a prosperous and fertile union. Fish and lotus seeds promise many children. Geese ensure loyalty. Dragon and phoenix imagery balances masculine and feminine energies. The objects protect the household from misfortune while encouraging lineage continuation.

Who takes part

• The families: Exchange the charms as blessings for the couple
• The couple: Receive the charms to ensure future harmony
• The officiant: May recite poems related to the charm designs

Then and now

The practice remains a niche part of traditional East Asian weddings. Modern couples may view them as historical artifacts rather than active ritual objects.

On the wedding table

Symbols: The ring Water and washing Bread Sweets, sugar and honey Wine and the shared cup The wedding cake Coconut and betel Bells and noise Candles and lamps

Questions people ask about Marriage coin charm

See also

MizuhikiThe knotted paper cord that adorns Japanese wedding gifts and envelopesEngagement ringA ring given to signify a formal agreement to future marriage.Blessing ceremonyThe large-scale marriage rite of the Unification Church where couples are matched and blessed by their leaders.Marriage in KoreaA look at how Korean weddings blend ancient Confucian rites with modern legal practices.

Good reading and sources

• Marriage coin charm on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Wedding customs differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-05.