In the western tradition, before a man proposes to his woman, there is the underlying rule that he must meet his future father-in-law and ask for permission.  The meeting is generally awkward.  This is unlike any other meeting between two men.  One man is generally so nerve wrecked and the other man oftentimes has no clue as to what the other one is up to.  When the words come out, the future father-in-law is either shocked or joyful.  If it is the latter, the father-in-law welcomes the to-be-groom into his family, they shake hands, and hug.

So, why is it that the groom has to ask for permission to be welcomed into the bride’s family?  Shouldn’t it be the same for the bride also?  Shouldn’t the bride-to-be ask for groom’s family’s permission in the name of “equality”? 

Perhaps this is a burden the groom must bear to be the “man” of the future household since the bride is the one that must give more up in terms her individual identity.

Colors go a long way in displaying one’s culture.  In the Chinese culture, for example, “red” is the color theme used for weddings.  If you’ve been to a traditional Chinese wedding, red-galore!  Almost every element of the wedding is in red.  Brides are dressed in red from head to toe.  There are also the invitations, envelopes, reception venue decor, you name it, all in red.  

As I reflect on this, and compare it to our Western style weddings, it is actually quite beautiful.  Each culture keeping its own tradition to showcase its values and history.  It’s good to be different.