In the traditional Chinese marriage ceremony, both the bride and groom kneel in front of their parents and serve them tea. That is a way to express their gratitude. In front of their parents, it is a practice for the married couple to say, “Thanks for bringing us up. Now we are getting married. We owe it all to you.” The parents will usually drink a small portion of the tea and then give them a red envelope, which symbolizes good luck. Another variance is for the to-be daughter-in-law to serve tea to her to-be parents-in-law, symbolizing that she is to become a part of the latter’s family.

Too bad I can’t go along to Singapore and photograph the ceremonies!  But since I can’t, I am satisfied because it was an honor that I got to spend an afternoon with Joy and Hao and all of Joy’s very sweet and helpful friends.  (Thank you, friends!) We had a ton of fun here on the University of Illinois campus. Huge thanks also goes out to Micah, who assisted me for the day.  Micah, you did great and I look forward to future events that we do together.

Once Joy and Hao are back from Singapore, they will reside in Boston.  Joy just got her PhD in Biochemistry and Hao is a doctoral student in Chemistry at Harvard.  Doctors!  What an accomplishment for both!

All my best to you, Joy and Hao!  I have a feeling you are on your way for an adventurous ride together!