Why China Yugur ethnic group’s wedding tradition involves groom shooting 3 arrows at bride

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.\nThis unique ethnic minority who primarily live in the Sunan Yugur Autonomous County in Gansu province, northwestern China.\nTheir total population is about 14,000 according to the 2020 census.\n\nMost Yugurs follow Tibetan Buddhism and speak a Turkic language.\nOne of their most distinctive cultural traditions is the Three Arrows Wedding Ceremony, a practice which was recognised as national intangible cultural heritage in 2011.\nDuring 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.\nThe bride must walk between the flames, symbolically undergoing a “fire purification”, a ritual meant to cleanse misfortunes.\n\nThe groom then uses a specially crafted rose willow bow to shoot three arrows at the bride’s back. The metal tips of the arrows are removed.\nAn essential part of the ritual is that the arrow shafts must gently touch the bride’s clothing without causing any harm.\nDuring this symbolic act, an elder from the groom’s family recites a traditional blessing: “One arrow wards off evil spirits, two arrows wish for a long and happy union, and three arrows bear witness to their vows of eternal love.”\n\nEach of the three arrows symbolises a specific blessing: dispelling past misfortunes, warding off future harm and wishing the couple a peaceful and prosperous life together.\nThe ritual stems from a Yugur folk legend in which a bride was attacked by three demons on her wedding day.\nHer groom used the arrows to slay the monsters and save her, establishing the practice as a protective tradition during weddings.\n\nTo complete the ceremony, the groom breaks the bow and throws it near the doorway, after which an elder casts it into the fire, symbolising the total elimination of misfortune.\nYugur weddings are also particularly elaborate and ceremonial, featuring 28 distinct rituals, including the bride’s family banquet, the groom’s crowning and the bride’s tea presentation.\nFor example, when the bridal escort team arrives at the groom’s home, the groom changes into clothes sent by the bride’s family.\n\nDuring the outfit change, a singer recites praise and the bride ties a lamb shank, smeared with butter and wrapped in wool, onto the groom’s belt as a symbolic wedding token.\nThis act represents “skin and fur connected”, symbolising the deep and lasting bond between the couple.\nAnother ritual, known as “offering the lamb’s back”, involves the groom’s family dividing a whole lamb into twelve portions and sending it to guests as a gesture of hospitality and respect.\n