One of my cousins got married and had a magnificent celebration. Nearly 100 hundred relatives and friends attended it and I was there all along the way.
There are many steps to follow during a typical Chinese wedding, like both families cover any manholes, drains or wells nearby the houses with red paper as a local tradition. But I always find most interesting the part of how the groom win his way to his lover.
The wedding ceremony was on the national day last year.
Around 9 am, we, as the groom family, set a fleet of cars towards the bride house. When we arrive at the brides house, the groom, along with his parents, cousins, aunts and uncles, went to the brides door. The groom knocked the door several times, calling out for his wife, but the bride's mother won’t not open it until the groom calls, "Mama" and paid the bride's mother some money.
Even then, the bride remained locked in her room with the bride's maids. The maids demanded the groom proved his love before they would open the door. This included singing correctly some ordered romantic songs, and some were tricky. My cousin was not a pop song lover, so it was time to display my music skills. My try was passed as OK, thankfully. Eventually the bride came out and the groom lifted her up into the waiting car during everyone’s applause.
In the weddings I have attended, there have been a few Western elements, like white gowns and wedding vows, but overall, I would characterize the weddings as very much Chinese in both form and style. It is a mix of tradition, spectacle, prestige, showing off, and romance all in one.
