Wedding Reception

One morning in 1956, I got to Ueno Railway Station. After waiting for graduation of primary school, we got back to Tokyo from geyser of Miyagi City as the first group of schoolboy evacuation. B 92 Ward of Tokyo where traders lived was destroyed after being attacked by fighters. We, the whole family were in difficulty deciding as to feeling but we all were safe. I thought about that incident with deep emotion in Mandalay.

This year, I was invited to wedding ceremonies in January and February. The first one was a Chinese and another was a Myanmar. The word Tayoki Lumyo (Chinese nationality) special word used by Myanmar. Indian people are called Kalar Lu Myo. Regardless of the word, they are Myanmars, I am sure. Myanmar is multi-racial country. They call Bama people, Kachin people and etc; do not use Kachin race, Shan race and etc. This is also special treatment like that on Chinese and Indian.

The Chinese woman works at the same hostel. Reception was held two times on the same day_ in the morning and in the afternoon. The place was a reception hall which was delightedly used by Chinese people. About 500 invited guests were served with coffee and a lot of cakes. The first was light introduction, then greeting of the master of ceremonies. But the was no speech by guests. The guests came to the reception one group after another, ate the food served and came back home during the period of two hours. Bridegroom in white suit and bride in her wedding dress went around the hall saying hello to every guests. It was a very simple programme and very different from that in Japan.

In the evening at the same venue, guests were served with Chinese food. Not the same as the morning programme, at the invited time guests took their seats. Tables were put not only in the hall but also outside. Later, I came to know that about 40 tables which could accommodate ten persons each were placed. At this time there was no greeting. Right after the feast finished they went back home.

When, I heard that drinks would also be served, I could not help remembering the time when I lived in China. But, it did not become as I hope although the time passed. Although the were Chinese, as a saying that custom changes as the place changes, they were real Myanmar. With a style they did not take interest in drinks, they did not even drink the beer served. They ate course brought to the table. It was very surprising because their speed of eating very fast. About ten kinds of foods in large amount disappeared in the nick of time. I didn't see friendly chats and there were in rush to go. The bride and bridegroom in their evening clothes said goodbye to the guests at the entrance.

Another was the wedding reception of a teacher woman and was beautiful one. The reception was held at her house and guests were simply served among members of the family. This was for the first time to attend a reception held at a house although I went to various wedding after I got to Myanmar. Also in this reception invited guests came, ate food and went back home during a designated time in the morning. It was very simple. The hosts, bride and bridegroom in Myanmar clothes had friendly chat with the guests from the start to the end of the reception.

To sum up, there are a lot organizers who arrange wedding receptions in Myanmar. The receptions are held at hotels, monasteries, schools, public facilities and etc. But, the way and inner characteristic are very simple. First, I felt that there is something needed. When, I get used to them, I feel they are meaningful and reasonable.