Well, it helps to be hungry for a start ;-)
My sister Hungrier Jemma recently got married and topped the celebration off at the weekend with a glorious 10-course Chinese wedding banquet.
Now there can be a bit of misconception if you have never been to or heard about such a banquet before.
(But be warned - there are a lot of photos in this particular post!)
The immediate reaction that you might expect from a Chinese-banquet-newbie is something to the effect of “Woah. Ten courses? How can you manage that?!”
Although it helps to wear something more accommodating for a large feast (ie no tight waistbands, belts, high-waisted trousers or tights would be a sensible idea), you are not going to be served 10 whole individual dishes, complete with gleaming waiter peering anxiously over your shoulder to ensure you eat every single last bite.
Each course is served as one main dish in the centre of a large round table of 10 people – both the roundness of the table and idea of sharing one dish together signifies both the unity and generosity of the family.
In Jemma and Steven's case, this was 20 tables - yes, 200 hungry mouths to feed!
The food itself is pre-selected by the bride and groom, and as with many things in Chinese culture, is highly symbolic – the pronunciation of the dish may be likened to a significant meaning such as wealth, for example, or the way it is served can have a certain meaning also, such as being served whole to show completeness.
As well as it all being rather tasty of course :-)
A symbol of purity and fertility
Crabs are a symbol of good luck
A sign for youthfulness and long life, with scallops representing children
This 'dragon shrimp' represents the groom!
A delicacy to indicate prosperity
Pronunciation of 'abalone' is likened to an 'assurance of wealth'
Pronunciation of 'fish' is likened to 'plentiful', so again symbolises an abundance of wealth
Signifies a peaceful future
The sticky texture represents 'glue' bringing together a happy family
There are then desserts served, to wish the couple a sweet life :-)
Unfortunately, I had to dash at this point, but I managed to snap a photo of the enormous cake!
Phew, wouldn't be surprised if you got full just looking at the photos...
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Wednesday, 20 June 2012
10 Reasons to Eat 10 Courses
1. Suckling Pig Platter
2. Deep Fried Crab Claws
3. Mixed Seafood in Bird Nest
4. Stir Fried Lobster in Spring Herbal Salt with Shallot & Garlic Crisp
5. Shark's Fin Soup
6. Braised Abalone
7. Steamed Fresh Turbot
8. Crispy Pigeon
9. Fortune E-Fu NoodlesThe long strands represents longevity
10. Fried Sticky Rice
Cheers!
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2 comments:
Holy 10-course WOW! Hungrier Jemma totally invited me to the festivities (didn't you know this?), but my passport was invalid due to spilling large particles of cake crumbs on it. Please give Jemma my congratulations. Does this mean you'll be an Auntie soon?????
Oh dear, not again ;-)
One day I will have to try and send you some food from this side of the pond, would be interesting to see how it might turn up!
Thanks, will pass on the congrats, and yes, also from now on start questioning Hungrier Jemma about BABIES!
Hungry Jenny x
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