The Tea Ceremony

Yesterday was a busy day as we got ready for the tea ceremony that would begin in the afternoon and later that evening, there would be a dinner for our Kuala Lumpur relatives and friends.

A visit to the hairdressing salon for the bride's hairdo and bridal makeup was scheduled in the morning. I myself had a wash and blow-dry as my hair is short. The young lady did a good job, using a lot of hairspray to make sure that my hair would stay in place. I decided that if the outcome wasn't good then I would resort to a wig! However it turned out fine.

The tea ceremony is the formal introduction of the bride into the groom's family.

The bride is dressed in traditional red bridal wear encrusted with beads and sequins.
The young couple offer tea to family members, beginning with the groom's parents and then family members followed by relatives. When the cup of tea is offered, the recipient has to finish drinking it as leaving some behind indicates that the person does not welcome the bride into the family. Not to accept it tantamounts to refusal to acknowledge the marriage.


After drinking the tea, the recipient gives the couple monetary gifts and jewellery. Here are some photographs of the tea ceremony.


Later the young ones in the family will offer tea to the bridal couple and in turn they receive red packets ( ang pao) containing money. The oldest single will offer tea in pecking order until the youngest's turn.


Meanwhile there are cakes and drinks to be partaken.