"There is a ceremony called "San-San-Kudo" during the marriage ceremony. First of all, a groom and a bride pretend to pour sake into a cup in which there are 3 tiers of cups then they do actually pour sake into each cup and drink it at each of the 3 steps. This series of action will be done for each of the three cups. That is why this ceremony is called "San-San-Kudo (three-three-nine times). This custom was brought to Japan from China. As for the row of numbers 3,3,9, 3 is a happy number and it shows "heaven, earth and humanity." as well. Therefore 9, which equals 3 times 3 is said to be the happiest number. Officially, San-san-kudo shall be done in front of the sanctuary of a shrine. However, it becomes rather common to set up a temporary sanctuary in a hotel so that they can proceed with the marriage ceremony and wedding reception in a rational order."