In America today, there are many different groups of Asians. There are Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Japanese, to name just a few. Each of these cultures has aspects that are unique to their heritage and if you are interested in having an Asian wedding ceremony and reception, you may be looking for some ideas to get inspired.
food to serve
A traditional Japanese menu served at a wedding is seaweed, red rice, and sea bream, which is the Japanese fish used to indicate happiness. The typical drink served is sake or rice wine.
The Chinese are known for a phonetic play on certain words. For example, in Chinese the word apple sounds like the phrase “go safely.” When you are served fat choy, it is similar to the expression “be prosperous”. Lotus seed tea is the traditional drink served at a Chinese wedding.
At a traditional Korean wedding, you may be served noodles called Kuk soo and they are the symbol of long life. If you want to know if someone of Korean descent is married, just ask them, “Kuk soo mo-gus-am-oh?” Translated, you are asking them if they have eaten noodles yet.
Asian religious beliefs
For as many Asian cultures as you can find, you will find so many religious practices. Some of the major religions practiced by Asians are Buddhism, Taoist, Hindu, Muslim, and Christian.
A Japanese wedding ceremony will normally take place in a shrine or a Shinto shrine. In Japan, weddings are usually held in spring and autumn, and the wedding day is chosen based on a lucky day that can be found in the almanac.
When you attend a Chinese wedding ceremony, you will notice an umbrella used to cover the couple to be married. This is an ancient ritual that symbolizes the protection and honor of the marrying couple when they begin their life together.
A Buddhist-style wedding ceremony takes place at the Honganji Temple. This Asian wedding ceremony may include prayers, a staging of Buddhist prayer beads, a priest’s speech, burning incense, taking the oath drinks, and clasping hands in Buddhist worship.
Do the proper research to make your Asian wedding ceremony and reception something that will have your guests talking for years about the authenticity of the event. It’s sure to be a day neither of you will forget.
