In Asian custom a gift of money ( gold ) is given to the brides parents for the hand of their daughter.Many variables come in to play as the amount that one expects.Two yrs ago when my son went back to a friends wedding the average was $ 50,000. in gold jewelry and then one still had to purchase special gold trinkets depending on her yr born which is a symbol such as a dragon,dog etc.Under communist rule families were only aloud to have one child and the Chinese always believed the male would look after them in old age so girls were ( i hate to say )which today caused a shortage of brides . Year 2008 month 08 day 08 hour 08 sec 08 will be the open of the Olympics and eight standing for wealth and long life has caused the biggest boom in weddings which now has raised the dowry big time.Children born in a eight yr are believe to be special and will receive a value of gold greater than the dowry.Gold this yr will see its biggest gains ever and when we throw in China's Game to control World finances through the price of gold it will be a interesting September ( after Olympics )when the USA is asked to cash in a couple of trillion the US dollar will fall and with the high inflation gold will skyrocket Hang on SAN and Neigbors.with out prejudice. Feng Shui East West. Traps7