Traditional Korean folk customs require a pair of ducks be carved for the couple to bring Originally, a man who wished to marry would purchase pairs of live ducks or geese to give as a gift to the family of the prospective bride. That tradition gave way to using wooden ducks in place of live animals. A couple would select a man to carve their wedding ducks who was honorable, and a good friend. Additionally, the man should have "five fortunes" to be a suitable carver because it was believed that these fortunes would be imparted to the ducks and transferred to the couple who received them. The five fortunes of the carver are wealth, health, being married and from a family without divorce, and father of many sons. It was considered an honor to be asked to carve a set of wedding ducks, so no money was ever paid to the carver. This classic wooden duck is probably from the 19th century.