And a bride's dowry was sure to include a pair of shoes (hsieh) and a bronze (t'ung) plate or mirror, to express the wish that the couple might "grow old in harmony (hsieh) together (t'ung)." The same designs were often displayed on wedding invitations. The faithful love between Mandarin ducks is a model for human couples.
古時新娘的陪嫁裡，一定有鞋和銅鏡（也有的用銅盆），以示「同（銅）偕（鞋）到老」；喜帖上也常畫上這兩個圖案。