the Betrothal (Wedding #2!)

A WHAT!?!? you ask.

betrothal:
n 1: a mutual promise to marry [syn: troth, engagement] 2: the act of becoming betrothed or engaged [syn: espousal]

Today is that day for me. Actually, it's happening RIGHT NOW as I type up this blog. (11:52AM of May 21st) Now, why am I doing something so trivial on such a special day for me.. you ask? Well, traditional the groom is NOT to be involved with the actual betrothal event at all. Only the preparations. And boy, were there preparations!!!



This event is called "gaw dai lai". That's betrothal in chinese. The main elements of this crazy scavenger hunt was the roasted pig(WHOLE!) and the bridal cakes.

There were:
- entire roasted pig on customary platter
- bridal cakes in customary boxes
- 60 in total
- 4 are which must be dragon/pheonix cakes
- pairs of male and female poultry
- 2 old coconuts (these symbolizes something..I forget what. NOTHING phallic, I don't think!)
- 2 bottles of wine (XO)
- 2 boxes of tea
- 2 boxes of seafood each: ($$$!!!)
- shark fin
- abalone
- other wallet draining items
- all kinds of weird nuts and herbs which had to be of certain requirements (age, with or without the seed, etc)
- And of course... CASH!



And of course every item had some sort of meaning and symbolism. Of which I have no idea what they are... through thousands of years of traditions being passed down, I personally think some of this stuff has lost a bit of translation. I bet somewhere down the centuries, there was a comedian that "made up" a tradition or two of his own. (old coconuts?!? now come on!) And just passed it on to his heirs. He's laughing it up right now I bet!!

Since I'm not allowed to see the bride all day today, it is customary for me to send all this stuff with a family friend of ours. An older generation that is respected must carry this stuff for me. REPRESENT!

I wouldn't be able get all of this stuff without the help of my grandparents and uncles!!! PROPS to em!!!! w00t w00t! 8D

Well, Lina is having a big party right now with all my stuff. Hope they're enjoying it.

Babee, if you're reading this and showing this blog to your family right now... don't forget the rest of the tradition... save some of the good stuff for me!!!! I'm hungry.

You can find more pictures here.