Three Red Dots
- Judy T
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
It's Judy. I've attended two weddings this year and have some observations. I think there are basically two different types of weddings.
The first type are the typical, American weddings where you can predict what's going to happen. You know, finding a spot to sit, blushing bride coming down the aisle, kissy-kissy, and then the reception, which is also pretty straightforward. Sitting at a table where you may or may not like your table mates, admiring whatever centerpiece the Bridal Team came up with, trying to be interested during the toasts and cake cutting, and finally on to the dancing. A lovely evening and the bride always looks beautiful...
The second type of wedding are those that include the American version and a DIFFERENT CULTURAL VERSION. These weddings are much more exciting.
I just had the pleasure of attending an American/Nigerian Wedding and let me tell you that the Americans need to ramp it up. The Nigerian women were stunning! They had the most fabulous fabrics and dresses that were gorgeous! Every pattern and style imaginable & the headpieces were amazing. Different music, unusual food, and even a traditional Nigerian 'monster' that playfully chases the women. Not something you see at a regular American wedding...
Now that I've attended an ethnic wedding I've decided I want to attend a royal Joseon wedding. In those affairs the bride and groom are really decked out. In addition to their fabulous silk outfits of many layers, the groom wears a very cool, mortar board looking hat that has a row of beads that are chin-length. Every movement is reflected in the beads swaying back and forth. The bride has an over-the-top hair piece that western veils cannot possibly compete with. (The Nigerian head pieces come close!) Often she will have 3 red dots which are called yeonji; 1 on her foreheads and 1 on each cheek symbolizing youth. The groom sometimes carries a wooden goose wrapped in a red cloth that symbolize marital fidelity even though fidelity might include a bunch of concubines. They have bowing, drumming, eating, paying respect to one's elders, and then the spectacle of adjourning to the bridal bedroom in a rather public manner. What could be more fun to attend!
WHEW! When I first read this, I thought you said you wanted to be in the wedding! Hmm….
Maybe you do…just saying… ~ Pat
I have, over the years, gone to a few different weddings. One on the beach that started at 7am. The bride and groom came down a path of mats to an arch festooned with flowers and were married. We had breakfast, which was fabulous, with bacon, sausages, eggs, mushrooms and tomatoes. Toast, croissants, Danish pastries, or cereals. The wedding cake was cupcakes.
I've also been to a Syrian/Lebanese wedding. The wedding was in a large church, and then we went to the reception at a massive hall. There we had nibbles (lots of Lebanese food treats) until the main course came at 10 pm. Long night. But there was lots of dancing and I sat at the foreigner's table (Aussies…