We were invited to review and experience a traditional Chinese Wedding to see their traditions, customs and rituals of the ceremony, with traditional Guzheng music and C-pop music and dance at the stunning Contact Theatre in Manchester.
The production was held in space 5 of the theatre and was set out as a wedding venue with 6 round tables hosting 5 seats each laced in red and gold, each table place had wedding favours of traditional sweets all beautifully coloured and delicious. The whole space was decorated in red and gold traditional for luck and wealth.
The guests were asked to sign a red board for the happy couple as a memory of their day and after doing so the guest was given a heart shaped sticker red and gold to symbolize their love.
The ceremony started with the very talented young lady Yuting Chen who played the Guzheng a 21 string traditional instrument usually played by men but in modern times is now played by women.
The wedding commenced to explaining how in traditional Chinese lady would find her husband, this was done by throwing a silk bow and who ever caught the bow would have to answer the lady's questions (quiz) to ensure he was the right potential groom. Once the couple were happy with their match the gentleman then asks the father for his daughters hand in marriage. The father sets a date and arranges to meet the groom’s mother. 
The wedding day arrives and the ceremony begins, the groom wears black and red and the bride red and gold with her face covered by a heavy red veil. The groom shoots 3 arrows from the special bow as a symbol of their good luck and love, shot 1 is to the sky shot 2 is to the earth and shot 3 is for a token of their love.
This is followed by 3 kicks to the bridal sedan again as a symbol of good luck and love, 1st kick in loves heart stood kick 2 to marry his lover as his wife and kick 3 to bound her life partner forever.
The couple hold a belt as they walk to the altar were they cross the brazier as a hope for lively life and cross the saddle with an apple on as a wish for the whole family to be safe.
3 bows at the altar, 1st to the great heaven and earth 2nd to their parents and 3rd to each other followed by 3 actions to lift the brides heavy face veil 1st to see her lips 2nd to see her eyes and 3rd to see her eyebrows this symbolises the dream of marrying the lady you love coming true.
Green tea is poured in again 3 as a symbol of lasting love 1st drink for themselves 2nd exchange cups and 3rd cross arms to drink followed by eating from a bowl to encourage a strong son to be born as soon as possible.
They exchange gifts (like rings) and light the Phoenix and Dragon candles, the couple show appreciation to their parents by offering them tea and at this point they can call them Mother and Father. The groom carries his bride away as they are sent to a room to rest for a while and the guests are served with traditional green tea and sweets like plum candy, fried down twisted to symbolise deep love and hawthorn. The Chinese believe that if you eat sour things a boy will be born and if you eat spicy things a girl will be produced. The guests are given chestnuts in the hope the couple will have a boy and pineapple cake to symbolise the phoenix. A son is preferable in China to work and continue the blood line.
When the married couple return they visit every table to toast them and thank them for coming to celebrate with them, this is where the evening celebrations begin with live music, C-pop and dance.
Yuting Chen again graced us by playing 'gorgeous flowers under the full moon' 'Liangshanbo and Zhuyingtai' the eastern Romeo and Juliet. Chen Yijia sang beautifully ' I only care about you' and 'practice love'. Four elegant and beautiful ladies danced the passion petal and spring chant.
The ceremony ended and the guests were invited to take photos and have photos taken with the bride and groom. The whole evening was beautifully planned and informative, the guests were spoilt with no expense spared with the delicious food and drink provided.
The team were all friendly and extremely helpful in answering any questions related to a traditional Chinese Wedding. It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening and I feel privileged to have been a part of the Chinese Wedding Experience.
Reviewer: Katie Leicester
Reviewed: 16th March 2016
