This weekend is going to be quieter than last, I hope. Last Saturday, we had two wedding parties to attend. 'Tis the season. F.'s junior high school friend got married a few weeks ago, and we got to see some of the huen li, or wedding ceremony. Then later came the party. Theirs was of the "Hey Song" variety, with 40 tables arranged in their street, which had been closed off and covered with a tent. We sat at the table for classmates, most of which were from college. The food was pretty good, the conversation entertaining, and a good time was had by all. These parties are a little strange, though. They last about 2 hours, and there is very little uniqueness to them. The party starts, the food arrives, people eat, then leave immediately after packing their doggie bags. No special moments, for the most part. Usually.
Last Saturday, we went to a lunchtime wedding banquet of a friend of mine. Actually, my friend's sister, who I only vaguely know. This one was inside, but in a strange restaurant that looked like the lobby of a hotel. The food in this one wasn't as good, frankly, but you know, people are happy and that's the important part. It was also the first opportunity for me to give the hong bao (red envelope) and cement my place in Taiwanese culture. So in the future, I will invite my friend's sister to my wedding and they will bring a hong bao for me. The special moment came toward the end of the meal when the karaoke started. As older men, women, and one child belted out Taiwanese folk songs at ear-twisting tones, we looked at each other and rolled our eyes. It was a "special" moment indeed.
That evening, we went to another ceremony for a friend of F's from cram school. This one was also inside, at one of the better known wedding banquet restaurants in Kaohsiung. There were about 50+ tables at this one, and we got seated up near the head table, and could see a lot of the pre-meal festivities. Far and away the special moment of the ceremony was provided by the staff at the restaurant, who, dress in gold lamé, presented a performance culminating with flaming swords and an explosion. But the real kicker for me was the song they chose for the performance. Think. What would be an appropriate song to reflect the magical moment of embarking on the journey of life with another person and celebrating that moment with all your family and friends? I bet you weren't thinking of Swedish big hair rockers Europe's bombastic anthem to nuclear annhiliation "The Final Countdown." As the strains of Deedle-ee, doo, Deedle-ee-doo-doo spilled over the room, I was glad it was dark during the show so no one could see me laughing. Yes, indeed. The final countdown before your life ends. What better reflects that moment of marriage? I have provided a short video clip for your viewing pleasure.
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