Asian Traditions

The Bride and Groom exchange san-san-kudo sips. San means three. Three is an indivisible number, and it is considered a sacred number in Buddism.  By exchanging the nuptial sake sips, this three times three, they are now happily united. Nine means triple happiness. 

But just as san-san-kudo sake sips may not be delicious, the couple’s marriage life may not always be delightful, but they will have to overcome their hardships with the co-operative spirit of the san-san-kudo. 

source: World Wedding Traditions