In a traditional Korean wedding ceremony, pyebaek is the ritual in which the newlyweds bow to the groom’s parents.
Pyebaek is a family ritual traditionally held after the main wedding ceremony. The bride and groom perform deep formal bows to the groom’s parents, who offer advice and blessings for the marriage. Jujubes and chestnuts are commonly placed before the parents as symbols associated with children and family continuity.
The parents may toss the fruit toward the bride’s skirt, and the number she catches has traditionally been interpreted as a playful prediction of children. Modern ceremonies often include the bride’s parents as well, reflecting changing Korean family customs.
Pyebaek is sometimes confused with the Korean wedding feast itself, but it specifically refers to the ceremonial greetings and exchange between the newlyweds and their families.