Culture Insider: The evolution of pillows in ancient China
Used in customs:
In the eastern part of Inner Mongolia autonomous region, as well as among some Inner Mongols in Heilongjiang, Jilin and Liaoning provinces, there is a custom of pillow grabbing during wedding ceremonies. Before the girl gets married, her parents would set up a new yurt to display the dowry. On the wedding day, the bride's family would send four strong men holding a wooden pillow that is over 1 meter long to walk toward the new yurt. At the same time, four men from the groom's side would advance to snatch the pillow. A spirited fight would ensue between the two sides, with neither party willing to let go of the wooden pillow, until they all become exhausted. Eventually, the big pillow is placed on the bed, signifying the end of this part of the ceremony.
At the weddings of Bai ethnic group, there is a tradition of fighting over the pillow in the bridal chamber. The newlyweds would compete to sit on the pillow, as it is believed that whoever sits on the pillow will become the head of the household.
