An oil-paper umbrella with decorative artwork is displayed in Beijing's Wangfujing shopping area, Aug. 4, 2024. These umbrellas, originating in China, serve both practical and ceremonial purposes. In traditional Hakka weddings, two are given as dowry. As the Chinese word for "paper" (纸) sounds like "child" (子), the umbrella symbolizes a wish for the bride to bear a son, serving as a propitiatory compliment to the newlyweds. Moreover, since the traditional Chinese character for "umbrella" (傘) contains five "people" (人), giving umbrellas symbolizes a blessing for many descendants. The word for "oil" sounds like "have," and the umbrella's round shape symbolizes completeness, together signifying wishes for a fulfilling life. [Photo by Liu Caiyi/China.org.cn]

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