Recently I've been trudging blindfolded through a murky pool of cultural clumsiness, sometimes stumbling but recovering, other times face-planting in the muck. Mud is flying; people are getting hurt. It's the life of an outsider trying to live well in a place she doesn't belong. I take one step forward then one step back. Thankfully, Chinese are gracious to tactless foreigners like me.
Today Drew and I took one step forward! Our friends asked us to deliver a 3-minute speech (of of course in Chinese) at their wedding, which we did with pleasure, using some Proverbs as the substance.
From the picture above, you might observe a couple things about Chinese weddings: Western dress is en vogue, and pictures are taken before the big day. This wedding was particularly interesting because it represented a believer's union, taking place in a church. As the bride was escorted down the aisle by her father, I thought, this is the first generation in 4,000 years of Chinese history to have such a ceremony. A generation ago, the bride's mother probably didn't have a wedding-ritual proper as China was undergoing a phenomenal break from traditions. Two generations ago, the bride's grandmother certainly wore red, and was toted to her husband's home via sedan chair in the midst of an elaborate wedding ritual. Therefore, today we witnessed a dynamic shift occurring in Chinese culture as this couple was married in a Western-style ceremony.
That's so cool Rachel. I'm curious about who this couple is. I would love to have been a fly on the wall at the reception. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat observations, Rachel! I love reading Addington posts! Thanks for continuing to serve and continuing to share.
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