04/26/2011

From Chinatown to China proper: How members of a Brooklyn family traveled 8,000 miles for a wedding

At Lee's cousin's banquet, the guests dined on roast suckling pig, a traditional Chinese banquet dish often served at weddings.
Patty Lee/News
At Lee's cousin's banquet, the guests dined on roast suckling pig, a traditional Chinese banquet dish often served at weddings.
Lewis Lee and Coco Wu get married in a traditional Catholic ceremony in Guangzhou.
Patty Lee/News
Lewis Lee and Coco Wu get married in a traditional Catholic ceremony in Guangzhou.

Nothing brings together a Chinese family like a wedding. So when my cousin Coco and her longtime beau, Lewis, both 30, decided to tie the knot in January, there was no question about it: We were all flying to China.

Despite a few obstacles — some had the unfortunate luck of traveling during the December snowpocalyse — all 10 of us (my mom, brother, cousin, two pairs of aunts and uncles — including Coco's parents — and significant others) made it to Guangzhou ready to dine, dance and celebrate.

A Chinese wedding technically starts the night before all the festivities, with the bride and groom taking part in a series of auspicious rituals at home. They first shower — separately — in water infused with pomelo leaves, a tradition that the Chinese believe wards off bad luck.

In the past, the bride also had her hair styled for the big day. Her tresses would be piled into an elaborate updo, signaling her step into adulthood. It was usually done by a woman with good fortune — that meant someone happily married with kids — but most modern-day brides just have their moms make a few simple strokes with a comb.

The next morning, relatives of the bride, both maternal and paternal, come to give her away. That's when the fun begins.

Apr 26, 2011 2:52:31 PM | Culture, Current Affairs

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