Today I attended a Korean Adventist Wedding.
One of the teachers in 4th grade got married today so he gave us three 4th grade foreign teachers wedding invitations a couple weeks ago.
Therefore, today (Sunday), I went to the school by 9am to take the chartered bus, with the other teachers and students who were invited and able to attend, to the groom's hometown (held there because his father helps run the town). The bride is from Seoul but works as a nurse in Daejeon.
The bus ride was about 2.25 hours. We stopped once on the way there and the way back to go to the bathroom, and the kids all bought snacks (like "dippin dots" ice cream, and bbq'ed fried chicken on the way back). I didn't need food because they gave us a warm rice snack (one for each rider) on the way there; yummy!
Once there, we went in, and a lot of guests stopped at a small table with envelopes in which one puts cash as a gift for the bride and groom, and then puts their name on the envelope. This was done quickly, as are most things in Korea. We then hustled upstairs, turned in our envelopes to the people counting money. They gave us our buffet lunch meal tickets which we then turned over our shoulders to hand to the people receiving tickets. Then we ate. You could get all your wanted. My gosh - I wish I had more stomachs! There were so many things to try and I have no clue what any of them were because I wasn't moving as fast as all the Koreans going through the line.
It started with different kinds of kimchi and other sauces, then egg-veggie things, then sushi-like stuff (delicious!), then some salads, then main course things, then soup (of course!), followed by desserts of pineapple, orange, watermelon, different kinds of sweet rice cakes and mini chocolate chip cookies, and a couple French-looking cookies... Then there was a whole separate section for where you could choose your own meat slice, and have it fried for you right there fresh! You could also make up whatever meal you wanted of a combo of different fresh raw veggies (mushrooms, scallions, greens of various kinds), then fish of many different kinds, including little octopus-looking things, and lastly of course the sauces that one puts on them.
I see I've talked mostly about food so far. Lol!
After eating two plates, and drinking sprite-like stuff at our table, and then the Korea traditional rice-cinnamon drink (much more flavorful and yummy in my opinion!), we went down to sit in the wedding hall and took a simple printed (double-sided) program (not folded) from the table on our way in. The presiding minister announced we'd be starting, then the mothers of bride and groom, dressed in Korean traditional dress, walked down the aisle and sat down on either side of the stage. Then the groom in shiny black tux walked down the aisle. Finally the bride's father walked the bride- in white gown- down the aisle to the music we're used to in the U.S.A.
The presiding minister then said something short, and everyone started singing a hymn. (Yes, this was all in Korean.) Then the presiding minister spoke about what it means to get married, including that they were living as two individuals before but now they are one, that the husband should not take his wife for granted, that she will set the table for them every day, that they should both keep in mind their vows and what they mean, and that their faith in God can get through things together. (Yes, I had a translator for all this part next to me!)
Apparently they were then married and turned to face their parents. First they bowed to the bride's parents, then to the groom's parents, all the way the photographer's assistant had to adjust the brides beautiful cloud-like off-white skirt. I didn't hear the bride and groom say anything other than "Hooray!" (prompted by the minister) after they were apparently pronounced married...
This was followed by the nurses the bride works for singing a song together with the caveat that the groom had to kiss the bride every time they heard the word, "love" in the song. Cute!
After, the groom's sister and brother-in-law sang a duet together. I'm not sure what the words were but they sang beautifully with strong voices- wow!
This was followed by picture time, first of the family, then bride's coworkers, then all us teachers, then all the students, each with the bride and groom.
Then we left.
It was very interesting to see how it compared to American weddings. More things that I expected were similar rather than different.
Similar:
- wedding invitation
- buffet reception
- groom's, bride's, and men of families dress/tuxedos/suits
- photographer taking pictures
- wedding march music
- father walks bride down the aisle
- bride's side, groom's side
Different:
- reception/food was before the wedding (Why?!? We went in with heavy stomachs and sleepy eyes!)
- Korean traditional clothes worn by only the women of both families
- some students wore just jeans, sneakers, and every day shirts
- give cash as a gift (which you put in an envelopes on which you write your name)
What I like about American weddings that didn't happen (maybe because of large number of guests?):
- sign guest book
- bride and groom speak their vows
- guests thank bride and groom and families
Sound like a lot of fun to attend such a wedding. Did the presiding minister say much to the bride and groom about marriage and what it means, just curious?
ReplyDeleteYes, the presiding minister spoke about marriage, including that they were two, now are one, that they must honor each other and remember their responsibilities to work together as one unit, and that their faith in God will help them get through tough times... (Disclaimer: This is my understanding of what was translated to me.) Luckily I had an excellent translator sitting next to me!
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