Wedding Customs

I have a childhood friend who is getting married next week. Actually, in the "government's perspective", she's already married. Next week is the customs that a Chinese would need to go through (i.e. jimui session, stepping out of the bride's family house, tea ceremony) and, of course, the "compulsory" wedding dinner.

My mom and I had a fun chat with her as she talked about the items that she needs to buy for the wedding. For example, a potty for the room, a red umbrella for her to use so she can walk from her house to the car, a red bedsheet, some "lin zhi" and a bedside lamp. She questioned her mom on why these are needed for a wedding. Her mother had no idea but insisted that she follows "what other people are doing" for "good luck".

My mom had some knowledge about the customs and gave some insights:
1) A roasted pig as a gift during "ko tai lai" from the groom's family - In China, it means 2 things:
i) A whole pig with its meat and bones means although the daughter is now under the care of the groom's family, she is still the flesh and bone of her own family.
ii) Symbolises that the bride is still a virgin

2) Potty in the room - In ancient times, the toilet would be far away. It is more convenient to have a potty in the room so that the newly-weds would not need to walk off during their first night.

3) Red umbrella - Most probably, it is to avoid demons from possessing the bride.

Although some customs hold logical sense, some are purely superstitions.
Mom gave my friend some wise words. She told her that following all the customs blindly, especially the superstitious ones, will not promise a good and blessed marriage. At the end of the day, if the couple is not able to love and give it all, the marriage will still be over. Only God can grant a blessed marriage, given that we walk in His obedience.


Some say, "it is better to just follow the customs than to bring bad luck upon myself". Well, I have heard and seen newly married couples ended up in divorce and separation. They, too, abided to all these customs.
Should we just follow such superstitions blindly? What's your view?

What are some of the customs that you had to follow? Do you know their purpose? :)

SY