2007.07.20

Each Asian tradition that I've heard of has its own wedding rite, or so it would seem. Most involve tea being served. And most also involve a dead pig served up to be eaten. Mmmm...piggy.

All kidding aside, to honour Sherylen's Vietnamese roots, we partook in what we thought would be a simple nod to her ancestors in an abbreviated Vietnamese tea ceremony. It involved bringing gift offerings to her parents' house (and an excuse to ride in a limousine), some ritualistic homage-paying to her family and ancestors, a lot of people drinking tea, and eating. Lots of eating.

I've been told that the Vietnamese tradition borrows heavily from ancient (very formal) Chinese tea ceremonies, but that as time has passed, the Chinese tradition has shed a lot of the formalities that used to be there. I only hope that what Sherylen and I concocted (and her aunt directed) didn't offend any real traditionalists out there....

The offerings, hidden underneath red cloths and flimsy metal trays. Except for the tea set (on chair) and pig (at the other end). Other gifts included expensive wine, tea, rice, fruit, and pastries.

The groomsmen and me upon our arrival. The limo sits in the background. And the orchid on my lapel is still in tact. And to the groomsmen's relief, I did not make them wear pink ties and vests to match the bridesmaids.

Sherylen and the bridesmaids. Of course, they all had to wear something completely different from what they'd wear in the evening ceremony, eh?

The aforementioned pig makes its entrance here. If you look closely, you'll see its eye staring at you; look farther back and you'll see the wedding photographer taking a picture of it. Silvia looks like she just wants to be rid of the thing.

My sister Stephanie and Sherylen's brother Minh, probably saying something like, "Do you know what we're supposed to be doing as spokespersons?"/"No way. I have no idea what's going on." And the crowd watches as the pig gets placed with the other gifts.

Paying respects at the altar with the offerings and the pyrotechnics.

Serving up tea to the guests.

Thumbs up to Sherylen's new bling-blingy earrings. I think she's rolling her eyes here because she can see my pose in the window reflection.

Ted serves as the tea-master for the ceremony.