Wedding Goose (Kirogi)

19th century

Shortly before a traditional Korean wedding, the future groom presented a pair of carved wood ducks or geese to the parents of the future bride. The wood ducks replaced an earlier tradition in which the groom brought live birds. The birds, one male and one female, represent the future couple; the symbolism is particularly appropriate because many types of ducks and geese mate for life. The pair of ducks was displayed during the wedding and then later in the home of the new couple.