Ninghai recognized nationally for folk culture, art

A bridal sedan chair is displayed in a museum in Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/WeChat account: nbfb0574]

Ninghai county in Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province recently made the list of "China Hometowns of Folk Culture and Art".

To date, a total of 183 places in the nation have received this honorary title. Ninghai was recognized for the traditional ceremony of the 10-mile red dowry.

Influenced by the thriving local economy of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the 10-mile red dowry was a traditional ceremony that featured a grand procession of bearers who carried the brides' dowry through town in Ninghai.

The dowry included furniture, chests of clothing, and other household items that the couple would need to start their lives together. The procession of gifts could literally stretch for miles, but was named the "10-mile red dowry" to emphasize its grandiosity.

The festivities were embellished with a red and yellow color scheme, while the furniture was often lacquered in gold.