1My grandmother often talks about the wedding customs of her childhood village.
2In those days, marriages were usually arranged by the parents of both families.
3The groom's family brought gifts of tea, fabric, and roasted pig.
4A matchmaker visited the bride's house to discuss the date and details.
5Red was the only acceptable colour because it symbolised luck and joy.
6The bride wore a heavy silk dress embroidered with phoenixes and flowers.
7Before the ceremony, she bowed to her ancestors at the family altar.
8Guests were served nine courses, each carrying its own special meaning.
9Nobody was allowed to sweep the floor during the first three days.
10Sweeping was believed to push the good fortune out of the house.
11The newlyweds served tea to their elders and received blessings in return.
12Grandmother still keeps her wedding bracelet locked inside a wooden box.
13She says young people today choose love first, which she finds wonderful.
14Still, she worries that some beautiful old traditions are slowly fading away.
15Modern weddings in our family now mix both old and new customs.
16My cousin wore a white dress but still served tea to her grandparents.
17The guests gave money in red envelopes instead of the traditional gifts.
18Grandmother laughed through the whole ceremony and danced until nearly midnight.
19She told me that customs survive when families truly value their meaning.
20Traditions change, she said, but respect for family never goes away.