In June, I was honored with an invitation to a colleague's wedding. First, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to celebrate her joyous occasion. Also, a wedding is an interesting and important cultural event which reveals traditions and beliefs that one might not be aware of otherwise. One day, I walked in the office and was informed that my friend and colleague was married. There was no engagement time, no anticipation, none of the build up in which Americans revel. There was not a ceremony, a formality often skipped in this area of China. Instead, the couple hosted guests at a reception, which was very familiar. The newlyweds greeted guests as we walked into the venue. We handed them money wrapped in lucky red envelopes as we passed. Our seats were assigned, and small snacks were offered on each table along with bottles of wine, baijiu (rice wine), beer, and sodas. The couple was announced and walked through the venue beaming with happiness. The couple stopped at the front at which time a women with a microphone said some words, which I did not understand. The couple went through a few traditional bows and exchanges. Then dinner was served and the bride changed from a white to a pink gown. It was an enormous meal served family style, of course. After dinner, the couple walked through the crowd with small cups of baijiu and toasted with each guest. Immediately after dinner, the guests began to leave. Unlike the majority of weddings I have attended in the US, there was no dancing or cake cutting. The couple exited soon after dinner as well. The wedding was an enlightening and fun experience, one which I am very happy to have had.
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