Fen qian mi, dividing the money and rice
Before the bride leaves she divides rice and coppers into portions for her younger brothers and sisters, so that she does not carry the household’s luck away alone.
Pronunciation fēn qián mǐ｜Rites of life｜One entry in the Chaoshan glossary
What it means
The last thing before she goes out: rice from the family jar and copper coins are divided into several portions, each wrapped in red paper and given out one by one to her younger brothers and sisters, and to nephews and nieces who come as well. This is fen qian mi.
Nothing grand is said in giving it — only “keep it”. The money is for the younger ones to spend, and the rice each keeps for themselves, not cooked and not eaten.
When you see it
After the weeping and before she steps into the chair. Some places divide first and weep after, some weep and then turn back to divide; the order varies, the act is the same.
Words easily confused
What is divided is rice and money, not the trousseau: the trousseau goes with her to the husband’s house, this portion stays in her mother’s. Nor is it the division of a household, which divides property; this is a gesture before leaving — a few handfuls of rice and a few coins, and what matters is who they go to.
Read next: Chaoshan marriage: from the six rites to the third-day well.
See also: Rites of life: the five thresholds side by side.
Same group: weeping at the wedding, the sisters’ table, dressing the chair green.
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Last revised: 4 November 2026