Hip Hoppity Hop

Hip Hoppity Hop

February 8th, 2011 @ 9:42 am by Mrs. Bacon
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Happy New Year! Gong Xi Fa Cai!

In honor of the two weeks of Chinese New Year celebrations going on around the world, I figured this would be the perfect time to talk about the Baconlicious Tea Ceremony we’re going to have!

While the moms were in town for the Dresscapades, we had lots of time to chat while driving from salon to salon. FMIL Bacon is really excited to learn about the Chinese (well, East Asian) custom of a tea ceremony, but she’s really worried that the rest of the future in laws are going to be totally lost.

To be honest, my side might be a little lost, too. I’m pretty sure that the way that I found the ’Bee is because I suddenly realized that we were going to have a tea ceremony, and aside from my second cousin’s wedding when I was 9, I’d never seen one.

Enter the posts of the amazing and fabulous Asian Bees that have shared their experiences through their heartfelt, well photographed, dutifully compiled and easy to follow recaps of their Tea Ceremonies. A lot of the traditional Chinese websites that are out there tell you to “ask an auntie” for details on what to do, but neither Mama Bacon nor either of her sisters actually had a tea ceremony, and Grandma Bacon is no longer with us to share her story.

So in order to avoid a wedding morning filled with questions marks and tea cups, FMIL Bacon is compiling a “How To” letter of sorts to share with the extended family about the importance of the ceremony, their roles and what to expect over all. I sent her the recap links to Mrs Hot Cocoa, Mrs Hamster, Mrs Peony, Mrs Canary, Mrs Toucan, Mrs Green Tea and, of course, to the trusty Wikipedia article on Tea Ceremonies to help her in making this master document. I’m really excited to include this special ceremony from my heritage in our wedding day.

Are you having any cultural elements in your big day? How are you telling the participants about it?

Tags: chicago, cultural |

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9 Responses to “Hip Hoppity Hop”

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STB Ms.Win (message) 2 posts, Wannabee

I’m glad to see that there are other Bee’s in the situation too. My FI is Vietnamese and so we will be doing a tea ceremony but I have been trying to figure out the best way to explain it to my Canadian-Italian family. I would love to see what you come up with!

2/8/11 @ 9:58 am (reply)

Bee

Mrs. Meerkat (message) 3,216 posts, Sugar bee

I love seeing the tea ceremony on here. That is such a great way to bring a bit of history and culture into your wedding.

2/8/11 @ 10:00 am (reply)

Member

Gerbera (message) 4,481 posts, Honey bee

Hey!
http://www.chinabridal.com/etiquette/tea.htm is also a good source of info. Not sure what your exact heritage is (Viet, Chinese, etc?) because depending on that the traditions are a little different. And your religion as well, a lot of Tea Ceremony traditions are related to Buddhism. For example my family is Christian so during the Tea Ceremony we did not do the incense burning praying to ancestor portion.

2/8/11 @ 12:01 pm (reply)

Member

Queen2bee (message) 129 posts, Blushing bee

I am half-Bengali and half-Filipino. While Filipinos just have a few elements incorporated into the “traditional” American wedding, Bengalis have another thing entirely. To satisfy both parts of my culture, we will be having the bridal shower portion of the Indian wedding at least one month before to allow the henna to wear off. I’m excited to do both events!

2/8/11 @ 12:21 pm (reply)

Bee

Miss Tartlet (message) 3,207 posts, Sugar bee

Neither of us have witnessed a tea ceremony, either! I love the symbolism behind the gesture, though. Maybe you could include a short description of the cultural significance in your programs to address your FMIL’s concern about guests being lost?

2/8/11 @ 12:32 pm (reply)

Member

kayakgirl73 (message) 2,157 posts, Buzzing bee

We did some Lithuanian cultural stuff. Like having our parents BRing Us bread, wine and salt as we entered the reception it signifies health and a happy home or something to that effect. I can’t remember exactly I would have to ask MIL because my husband gets it wrong too.

2/8/11 @ 1:30 pm (reply)

Member

tea (message) 7,288 posts, Bee Keeper

we’ll be doing a paebaek, the korean tea ceremony. my mom didn’t have one nor has she actually seen one so she’s kinda clueless. i’ve showed a video of a paebaek to the mister and he’s amped about it.

2/8/11 @ 1:49 pm (reply)