| Being quite a westernized city yet still rich in Chinese customs &
traditions, a Hong Kong wedding can range from the vary traditional to the
almost totally westernized. But for most weddings, a mix of the two is probably most common.
The Pick-Up
Above: a typical red packet for weddings. |
The festivities would often start with the groom and his 'brothers' going to the bride's home
to receive the bride on the day of the wedding - actually most likely to her parents' home even if she has moved out.
But before he can get through the door, he needs to get past her 'sisters' first.
It's a tradition for
the sisters to 'request' from him a red packet for good luck - with money within. How much money? They would start at an amount that
makes any unsuspecting groom reconsider if
he really wants to marry his beloved: $9,999,999! (Since the number 'nine' sounds the same as the word for 'long time' in Cantonese,
it's considered as good luck and is used for happy occassions.) But of course, it's all a game. From there the two parties negotiate, with the
'brothers' helping the groom.
After the groom has duely paid, he is finally allowed through the gate. But more challenges await before he gets to even lay eyes on his bride. And some
could require uncommon valor. Fear not, however. That's what brothers are for!
The challenges involve performing tasks, answering questions, etc. - bascially anything that the sisters can think of to
tease and have fun with the groom. Common tasks to perform include brushing teeth with wasabi (spicy Japanese mustard), doing push-ups,
singing, etc. etc. The groom is often allowed to let his brothers replace him, but ultimately he has to do some to satisty
the sisters.
When the groom and his brothers have faced up to the challenges, the bride, usually dressed in a white western wedding gown,
would be allowed to be seen by him in all her glory - the product of
a few hours of getting her makeup and hair done. But the groom had not been idling either. Before coming for the pick-up,
he and his party decorated the cars that would later be used for transporting the wedding party.
Sometimes the games are not over even after the bride is out. The bride, or her mother, may join in, like making the groom agree to
a list of promises on how he would proper treat his wife. Giving her his pay checks could be one on the list. That's when the fun
and games could become more than just that.
After all the fun and games, it's time for the couple to get down to business.
...to be continued
more to come...
Down to business - the tea ceremony
Church wedding
The banquet - more photos, the guests, the gifts, the food, the gowns, the appreciation round
The 'new room' fun
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