Banquet Time? Or Bankrupt Time?
The tradition of holding Chinese banquet can be dated all the way back to ancient days when there were still emperors and dynasties. Bring forward a little to the kampong times, when there was a wedding, the whole village would be invited for a feast. Now, the purpose of holding a banquet seems to be fuzzy. Some think that it is a good time to make extra money. Some have no idea why but take it as an act of filial piety to the parents. Some just like all the fanfare and the romantic feeling. Some thought they are celebrating with their friends but sadly, their mentality have made their guests obliged to pack a bigger ang pow accordingly to the venue.
Is this truly a celebration or a "follow the pack" motion?
When I was in my teens, I would be very excited about being invited for a wedding dinner. I really thought that the couple was such gracious hosts, hosting such wonderful feast for their guests. Little did I know, there is no such things as free lunch, what's more free dinner!!
When economy started to get better, wedding couples also started to host their banquet at better venues. And their guests started to pack more decent ang pow. The notion of earning extra money from wedding only began in the late 80s or early 90s. Modern couples now bet on their ang pows to cover their banquet cost. I really feel obligated to pack a bigger ang pow and not because I really want to bless the couple. As what Mr Darren has said, "why spoil your friendship over the extra 10 or 20 dollars. Just give according to market rate lor."
I don't know whether these young couples (below the age of 30) really think it through what it takes to make a marriage work. Getting overhead with a dream wedding and debts strapped in reality is a very big stress factor.
Sigh!
Each to his life. I guess is every girl's dream to have the PERFECT wedding. But don't let your perfect wedding become a blemish in your newly wedded life..
Is this truly a celebration or a "follow the pack" motion?
When I was in my teens, I would be very excited about being invited for a wedding dinner. I really thought that the couple was such gracious hosts, hosting such wonderful feast for their guests. Little did I know, there is no such things as free lunch, what's more free dinner!!
When economy started to get better, wedding couples also started to host their banquet at better venues. And their guests started to pack more decent ang pow. The notion of earning extra money from wedding only began in the late 80s or early 90s. Modern couples now bet on their ang pows to cover their banquet cost. I really feel obligated to pack a bigger ang pow and not because I really want to bless the couple. As what Mr Darren has said, "why spoil your friendship over the extra 10 or 20 dollars. Just give according to market rate lor."
I don't know whether these young couples (below the age of 30) really think it through what it takes to make a marriage work. Getting overhead with a dream wedding and debts strapped in reality is a very big stress factor.
Sigh!
Each to his life. I guess is every girl's dream to have the PERFECT wedding. But don't let your perfect wedding become a blemish in your newly wedded life..
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