Chinese Tea Ceremony

26th May 2006

The intimate tea ceremony will be held at the groom's house in Bukit Kenny. Serving tea is a sign of respect at a Chinese wedding. That's why many couples include this tradition as an important part of their special day. The morning starts out with a male procession to the bride's home. It is here; the groom's party will try to negotiate their way into the bride's
house and ultimately to get her to open her room door. The chief negotiator for the day on behalf of the bride's family, is Tracy Gomez and the chief negotiator on behalf of the groom is Cameron Cheah. Let's see how fast the boys can make it from each point with this lady at every point. Once the bride opens her bedroom door, her family will travel with her to the groom's house for the tea ceremony to take place.

Traditionally, the newlyweds will serve tea (holding the teacups with both hands), inviting the groom’s elders to drink tea by addressing them by formal title, e.g. first uncle or third aunt. The newlyweds serve tea in order, starting with the groom’s parents then proceeding from the oldest family members to the youngest, e.g. the groom’s parents, then his paternal grandparents, then his maternal grandparents, then his oldest uncles and aunts, and all the way to his older brother.

In return, the newlyweds receive lucky red envelopes (“lai see,” which means “lucky”) stuffed with money or jewelry.