The fifth month of the lunar calendar is in the middle of summer, so it is also called "Midsummer" or "Middle Summer," and is also referred to as the "Wu Month." Then, can people get married or betrothed in the fifth lunar month? Marriage is a major event in life, and there are usually many taboos. What should the couple prepare before the betrothal? Let's take a look at Huayi Network together.

Is it not suitable to get married or betrothed in the fifth lunar month?

It is not very suitable to get married or betrothed in the fifth lunar month. The fifth lunar month is also known as the "Toxic Month," among which the 5th, 6th, 7th, 15th, 16th, 17th, and the 25th, 26th, 27th days are called the "Nine Toxic Days"; the 14th day of the fifth lunar month is called the "Heaven and Earth Interact Day," totaling ten days. During these ten days, one must maintain a respectful attitude, avoid killing, and refrain from sexual activities, otherwise it may severely harm the body, deplete energy, and drain vital essence. In the "Huangdi Neijing" (Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon), there is a dialogue between the Yellow Emperor and the Lady Su discussing the taboo days for sexual activity. Lady Su said: "On the 16th day of the fifth lunar month, it is the day when heaven and earth are in union, and it is not advisable to have sexual relations. If one does so, they will surely die within three years. How do we know this? Take a piece of new cloth one chi long, hang it on the eastern wall that night, and the next day, you will see blood on it. Be very careful about this."

What should be prepared for the betrothal?

1. Dowry
Before the betrothal, the man should prepare the dowry for the betrothal. The dowry is generally divided into six-piece sets or twelve-piece sets. The gifts mainly include tobacco, alcohol, tea, sugar, fruits, dried fruits, and chicken, duck, fish, and meat. The man should choose according to his own conditions and local customs, and deliver them to the woman's home on the day of the betrothal.
2. Dowry Money
Dowry money is the bride price. The amount required for the bride price varies by region. In some places, the bride price is just a formality, and the amount is not too high, while in some areas such as Guangdong and Fujian, the requirements for the bride price are higher. The man should prepare an appropriate bride price according to the local customs.
3. Betrothal Ring
During the betrothal, the man usually gives the woman a betrothal ring. This is different in meaning from the wedding ring, and the man is best advised to prepare a complete set of jewelry for the woman.
4. Banquet Expenses
The betrothal banquet is usually hosted by the woman's side, but the man should estimate the cost of the wedding banquet roughly and then give the expenses to the woman, which is called the banquet expenses.