Explainer | Why China Yugur ethnic group’s wedding tradition involves groom shooting 3 arrows at bride
Unique ritual at elaborate ceremony stems from ‘monster slaying’ legend; nuptials also involve fire and a lamb shank smeared with butter
A unique wedding tradition exists within China’s Yugur ethnic group which requires the groom to shoot three arrows at the bride, striking her clothing without causing her any harm.
This unique ethnic minority who primarily live in the Sunan Yugur Autonomous County in Gansu province, northwestern China.
Their total population is about 14,000 according to the 2020 census.
Most Yugurs follow Tibetan Buddhism and speak a Turkic language.
One of their most distinctive cultural traditions is the Three Arrows Wedding Ceremony, a practice which was recognised as national intangible cultural heritage in 2011.
During the wedding ceremony, when the bride arrives at the groom’s home, the latter’s family lights two bonfires on either side of the path.
The bride must walk between the flames, symbolically undergoing a “fire purification”, a ritual meant to cleanse misfortunes.
