In China, red is associated with family celebrations, particularly weddings and births. It was appropriate for bridal attire to be embellished with imperial symbols. The dragon symbol for the emperor represents the groom, and the phoenix, which is the symbol of the empress, represents the bride.

On the upper front of the jacket and above the dragon, two pomegranates are depicted. Pomegranate, with its many seeds, is a symbol of fertility. Many other auspicious motifs, including clouds, symbol of good fortune, and bats, symbol of happiness, surround the dragon and two phoenixes.