Chapter 36
Fairy Flower
Glancing at Hero, the waitress raises her lips, straightens her bust, and approaches him with a tray of wine. He holds back his laughter as she imitates the gait of a world-famous supermodel. The handsome guy holds up a glass of red wine. Hero treats the girl elegantly.
She flirts, licks her red lips, glances at his lower body, and is secretly happy that a shark is caught this time. Female stars and singers also join the prey hunt. The waitress leaves angrily because she is of low status and does not dare to compete with a bunch of noble prostitutes.
The man god receives the honorary guests, is gentle and sweet like pouring honey into their ears. The long-legged beauties are fascinated by the handsome and polite style of the romantic guy. Every girl flutters her smiling eyes at him.
Hero's nose has been blocked every day because of the strong smell of spring rolls. Whenever he has taken the bait, the beautiful women with "culinary souls" have immediately offered him delicious specialty meats and sweet nectar, which has left him completely numb with pleasure.
The scent seduces women, and the male god also attracts men. From TV stars, famous singers, sports superstars to business directors, corporation chairmen and mayors, they all shake hands with Hero, with happy expressions and lively conversations like old friends.
The only one who doesn't wear a mask in front of anyone, doesn't care about pleasing the son of the media tycoon. She is tall, slim, and has soft, cloud-like hair that falls to her waist. She is graceful in a pure black dress with apricot lace embroidery. Her graceful velvet skirt lifts her step by step on pink heels.
The willow-shaped eyebrows gently slide along the slender corners of her eyes, a sightline that sparkles like a full moon night, shining on her V-line face.
White powder covers the cracked, weathered skin, and pink lipstick makes up her heart-shaped lips, embellishing a friendly smile that leaves an indelible mark on the person opposite her.
She puts her hands on her chest to cover her soul and greets Hero. The man god is entangled with a bunch of flatterers, but he still maintains the image of a handsome man and replies with a smile.
The social interaction is simple and perfunctory; everyone is focused on their own affairs. Hero is discussing the reunion ceremony with the guests with excitement. She returns to a row of seats with velvet carpets near the podium stage and waits quietly for the opening party.
The "twins" Association feels itchy eyes for her behavior that goes against the crowd. Jealous eyes, scorning those who are different from themselves, but they still smile calmly. A normal expression conceals the envy and hate behind countless faces that are as similar as two drops of water.
Mixed in with the brass are the metals that glitter with gold, and gold, silver, and gems are separated from the pile of scraps, eager to find the person they admire:
- Hi sister!
The girl looks up at six teenage girls, each of whom is as beautiful as a doll wearing a crystal-colored dress. She recognizes that the girl band is Crystal Princess, which has topped the list of the most popular idols today. She smiles slightly, turns off her phone, and chats happily. The girl band expresses their admiration for their senior:
- I have liked the nation's fairy since I was a kid!
- I have never missed a single TV show you have participated in!
- I have collected and saved all your photos!
The girl band has chirped, showing that they have been crazy fans for many years. They have opened their phone albums and have shown the idol all kinds of photos of the superstar in the eyes of the younger generation.
She has laughed faintly, mocking herself. After all, even though she has reigned over famous brands or has been featured on souvenirs, she has ultimately just been an ornament for the world. The younger generation has not understood the feelings of the older generation; they have taken turns to take selfies with the person they have admired.
When they were fans, the girls shouted with excitement every time they were photographed or asked for an autograph. Now that their dreams of stardom have come true, the crazy fans of the past do not have to maintain their current public persona, girl bands are happier than when they were idols. They laugh just as before, enjoying watching senior pose cutely with themselves. The young idols beam and laugh, taking photos constantly.
Every time she took a "selfie" with other stars, she and the other party showed the most natural demeanor. She was still embarrassed and felt that both parties were scrubbing each other's names. Now is still the focus of attention, and all eyes are focused on probing and evaluating.
But the younger generation is not careful, the six princesses surround her, busy chattering, puffing their cheeks and pouting their lips playfully. In the eyes of those who like to scrutinize, they are considered overacting. Strangely, the shame that made her tired of the life she once longed for, even despised herself, does not appear.
Perhaps, the innocent princess was like a crystal that reminded one of an intense childhood. On that day, she was a little girl who was a passionate fan of artists of previous generations. She eagerly pursued her idol and dreamed of one day signing autographs for fans until her hands were tired.
The happy memories have been repeated in almost the same way. Although people's hearts have been complicated and it has been difficult to tell whether the younger generation has been sincere or hypocritical, she has still put down all the pressure and has lived out her own nature.
Somewhere, people whisper that the girls are acting more real than reality. The girl band manager twists his lips into a contemptuous smile, looking down on a bunch of people who are just there to decorate the frivolous place. The contemptuous smile turns into satisfaction with the genuine feeling.
Public figures always have to act like they are not acting. Princesses and queens are true to themselves when they must be sincere, so they have a chance to attract JK's attention, as the media tycoon looks forward to family reunions. Dreaming of someone, that person appears immediately:
Yes, dear audience, today we gather in this warm place full of family affection to congratulate the model father — grandfather, who reunites with his filial and kind descendants after 33 years of separation. Yes, I am talking about JK — Today he is not the most powerful media tycoon in the world, nor is he a saint of the Prehistoric country. - The female MC laughs and, towards the wings, welcomes the protagonist - At this moment of destiny, he is simply the happiest man in the world. Yes, please give a round of applause to congratulate the descendants who return to their roots, congratulate the great father for receiving the blood flowing to his heart!
Fireworks flash around the stage amidst the enthusiastic cheers. The "kind" father smiles brightly and comes to the stage with his "virtuous" offspring. Everyone cheers and welcomes the almighty who bestows glory on the fame-hungry crowd. This god has the magic to change lives and the ability to extinguish anyone's fame. The flatterers continue to flatter to attract attention. Those who judge people by their appearance are moved to admire JK's family.
"Deep" or "shallow", no one wants to offend the god who decides the fate of mortals; everyone congratulates JK's family. The crowd around Hero is excited to put their hands on his shoulders and shake hands with the man god to share the fun. The people with boneless tongues knead honey and mix sugar into a soft and flexible candy in this world:
- Family love is priceless, congratulations to you!
- A perfect family, I envy you, Hero!
Every word pours molasses into the ears of the father and son. Hero happily shakes hands and thanks everyone who flatters him. He eagerly heads towards the stage, his sunny smile lights up his radiant eyes. The younger brother contemplates his sister and niece gathering around the dearest person.
Celebrating with his family and having fun with his friends, Hero smiles at the man who stands in his way with his arms outstretched. The man is short and stocky, and he wears suit trousers and a green tie over an office outfit. Instead of a vest, he wears a black waistcoat that contrasts with his white shirt. The two colors show off his veiny six-pack abs, which are visible through his first-class silk shirt. The clothes are sewn tightly to hug his toned body like a burly athlete.
The man who likes to show off takes care of the smallest details, wears glasses to cover the dark circles under his owl eyes and applies gel to his shiny slicked-back hair. He raises his thick, dark brown lips to reveal a bright smile, and his friendly and confident demeanor perfectly portrays the image of a successful businessman.
- A happy day like this cannot be without friendship, a warm hug, my friend!
The cheerful crowd watches the two men bump shoulders and pat each other on the back. Some cover their mouths and glance at Hero's friend, who only reaches the height of the man god's biceps. He still laughs happily at this impolite behavior. Real friends urge close friends to reunite with their families.
Hero says goodbye to his friend and guests and goes on stage excitedly. Younger brother gently holds his older sister and niece in his arms. At the moment of expressing family affection, Hero suddenly feels a chill down his spine. The strange feeling reminded him of the things that had happened since the day they reunited, but the mother and her two daughters always ignored JK.
They have reunited not long ago, so it has been difficult to cultivate emotions, but it has really been hard to understand that they have not cared about the people who gave birth to them. The indifferent attitude has concealed the hate.
The dark father, always stoic towards his son, is now confused and shy towards his daughter. The old man bows his head in shame in front of his granddaughter, as if he has committed an unforgivable sin. All kinds of strange things happen on the big day.
The old man ignores the frozen face of his offspring, while the masked father happily shares his joy with the world. The son must take the place of his father to bear the battle.
The cold air penetrates the heart and disappears in the warm embrace. Neither cold nor hostile, mother and daughter put aside their hatred and dedicate family affection to the innocent person.
Hero is not a devil; he is bone and blood. A person with the same blood must live with devils. He is more pitiful than his mother and daughter. They cannot hate a person with the same blood who was given a devil father by fate.
Hero does not stop being at a loss because his sister and niece suddenly become close. But everyone is watching every minute and every second, so the man-god ignores the doubts. He lets the world admire the happiest family in the world. Hero speaks words of love at a volume just loud enough for everyone to hear:
- From now on, I am no longer alone! My sister and niece will fill the void in my heart and soul!
Warm words ignite the quiet atmosphere. Everyone and every family has tears in their eyes, praising the nation's family. Tears stain the eyelids and eyebrows of the girl band. Nhu Y cries so hard that her makeup overflows.
The upper echelons of the $ corporation, from the chairman to his wife, from parents to sons, the family of three eagerly looks forward to the most unforgettable moment of the night. The couple and son thoughtfully draw the word "affection" on their radiant faces, as if they are about to enjoy more happiness than being reunited. Everyone expresses their feelings in their own way.
The fairy experienced a moment of love from the whole family. Today, unlike every time she attends the reunion ceremony, she feels that the emotions of the nation's family are a little… reluctant, like a play; warmth and happiness become a mask to hide the cold soul.
It seems that no one is directing this play; from father, grandfather to descendants, from son to daughter, from mother to daughter, from sister to brother, from uncle to niece, everyone plays the role of family members. When Ngoc and her daughter hug her young brother, the girls' smiles are full of sadness and grief rather than the joy of reunion.
The moment the mother and daughter express their affection for Anh Dao, the abnormality disappears. It is not the sympathy when hugging Hero, nor the reluctance to show sincerity to JK. Whenever they photograph or stand beside him, the mother and daughter sketch a loving smile for the one who gave birth to them.
The world oh-so-praises its exemplary father for giving birth to filial offspring. A bunch of slaves for fame and fortune apply powder, lipstick, and makeup for the nation family. Most people do not need to know the insider who hides disgust.
For those who are completely unfamiliar with pretending, they are now aggrieved because they must be familiar with the most accurate way to wear a mask. The first lesson of acting is to control emotions; she and her two daughters are forced to lift their cheekbones and pull the skin around the edge of their mouths to create a real smile. The girls are not actors; they have not yet mastered the art, so their stiff eyes immediately betray their master, refusing to smile and grieving because of the master's physical abuse.
Facing Anh Dao, they eliminate all mental stress and return to themselves. Bodies escape from the compulsion, and cheekbones are raised high to share the joy with eyes that bear traces of wrinkles. Each wrinkle contains a secret that cannot be told to anyone.
That wrinkle was once the pain of tearing the victim and hating the accomplice. The wrinkles of yesterday's pain are still bleeding, but no longer resent the accomplice for drowning the victim in pain.
Anh Dao heard that if you wanted to understand the true feeling through a smile, you had to pay attention to the wrinkles around the eyes. A fake smile couldn't have bones protruding above the cheekbones, and it was even more impossible to have wrinkles and crow's feet at the corners of the eyes like a real smile. She didn't believe the sentience research of the imagination expert.
Witnessing the wrinkles forming crow's feet in the victim's eyes, the girls smile tenderly at the woman who has buried herself under the mud. She realizes that the theory isn't ridiculous. The warm smile melts Anh Dao's heart — the Iron woman is always known for being cold and rational, but now she no longer feels the hot tears making the corners of her eyelids red. The joy of the victim forgiving sins occupies her mind.
The mother and her two daughters welcome their relatives of different blood with open arms. Anh Dao is motionless and stunned in front of the double joy; she smiles but her tears soak the victim's shoulders — now they are a family.
The family affection seemed as if it had been lost forever when her biological parents died. A new page in her life has been turned; she no longer suffers from loneliness from childhood to adulthood. The little girl who was an orphan in the past now has a true family.
The moment of emotion wipes away doubts, the fairy smiles at the habit of doubting and looks at life with dark eyes. What happens inside other people's families has nothing to do with her.
A group of people who love to gossip always makes her allergic to unpleasant curiosity, but she nitpicks the private lives of those who deserve sincere congratulations for their happiness. The fairy can't help but feel embarrassed, breathe out, and watch JK's family cut the cake as the banquet reunion begins.
Paper firecrackers fly throughout the hall, the orchestra plays a quiet melody, and guests compete to express their feelings at the right time and in the right place. Emotions spark a nationwide frenzy of admiration, millions of viewers clap in front of their TV screens.
Countless netizens rush to click the keys to comment, shoot likes, give hearts, shed tears, and hug their beloved, sharing to the point of flooding the virtual world.
Newspaper reporters take photos, stream live, and broadcast online to spread the excitement to the world. Various online newspapers, paper newspapers, newspapers crawling into tents, and newspapers in air-conditioned rooms all hang a large number of headlines on the front page:
"Fallen leaves return to their roots — Blood flows to the heart!"
"Blood flows from the heart, like a tree has roots, like water has a source!"
"Family reunited — like never apart!"
"Tears choked for reunion!"
"Tears shed for the warm father-daughter love!"
"Go to Return!"
"Father and daughter reunited, happiness and tears!"
"Father's love is as deep as the ocean, mother's love is as vast as the sea and sky, children are more filial and gentle than man saints!"
"Father, let's go home!"
"Daughter, go home with father!"
"After all, father is the best!"
A bunch of people who like to joke around and have fun compete with each other, splashing water just like everyone else. In just a few minutes, countless associations and groups emerge like mushrooms after the rain:
JK Family Official Fanpage
Official Fanpage Ice Frost
Official Fanpage Snow Orchid
Association crazy for the nation family
Association of People Who Want to Date Princess Snow Orchid
Association for the Prayer of Luu Ly's Safety
Group Planting a Ficus Benjamina Next to JK's Daughter[1]
This group was created to express love for Jade Lapis beauty without blemish
Group Wants to Ice Skate, Glide Snow
The group Wants to Eat Snow, Lie Down in Frost
The group Asks to Share Photos and Short Videos of the Four Princesses
Want to Say I Love Suong, but Afraid Suong Won't Agree
Want to Confess My Love to Orchid but Afraid Not Worthy of Orchid
Anh Dao also becomes prey, letting the online crowd show their herd behavior. The number of fan pages for the blonde girl soars. At the beginning, crazy fans even come in to praise the other associations and groups. A few seconds later, a bunch of troublemakers and sarcasm emerge, and the online world immediately explodes into a keyboard war in the thick stench of young buffalo thugs.
The war makers happily shake their shoulders and laugh to see which side is the keyboard hero. People who live on fame milk rush in to suck madly, scrambling to set up a series of associations and groups, including anti JK's family fanpages:
Association against false family
The group that wants to break jade, shatter lapis
The group that wants ice to melt and avalanches
The group that wants to avoid frost more than it avoids evil
The association that wants to bury orchids, extinguish willows
This page was created because hates someone and everyone knows who it is
Ducks turn into swans — swans or ducks are both animals
We are serious young people, we hate lies
People's association does not believe the thirty-three-year figure
Countless groups with similar names follow the new but old trend: anti-crazy fans. Internet traffic jams due to sudden favor from netizens. A bunch of people with permanent residence on the Internet switch from TV screens to laptops or Halo screens, vying to curse each other's eighteen generations, demand to be chopped, demand to be killed, demand to throw waste into the home of the person being sacrificed alive.
The Lan sisters' classmates, schoolmates, and a group of people who claim to be Luu Ly's friends all madly inhale and smell drama, resulting in a bunch of people vying to create groups and associations:
Suong — Lan — Ly and friends
Dear friend, don't forget me
Looking forward to old memories
A bunch of friends post photos with the Lan sisters and their friends in the groups, attach captions, and pin them to the top:
Don't need many friends, just need a soulmate!
I'm not a princess, I'm just the princess' best friend!
Oh, is this my friend? Successful puberty is real!
Every photo in the classroom, at birthdays, on the wedding day holding the betrothal gift[3], eating snacks on the sidewalk, going on picnics, captured moments from the past. In short, everything is pulled out to be used as a decorative object so that the name "close friends of Lan - Suong - Ly" can fly high, fly far, and reach the whole world.
The person who suffers misery due to illness also has the same fate. The photos of the past that once brought sympathy for the poor little girl, but have now become a makeup tool for the beautiful and gentle face in the eyes of fans:
Strong younger sister, death will collapse at your feet!
Sister misses you, my angel!
The evil disease tortures her painfully every day, but the little girl still stands strong against the cruel fate. Your brother admires you, my little girl! Everyone loves you and does their best, little sister!
No one notices the TV echoing the female MC's expressive voice:
- Yes, ladies and gentlemen and friends, in ten years of being an MC, I have never been so lucky as tonight. There are thousands of talented MCs in the world, but Mr. JK gives me the honor of expressing the innermost feelings of the nation family. Yes, I experience all kinds of emotions because of the loss of my relatives for twenty years. God does not let down a person with heart, and after so many years of continuous efforts to find my father, I reunite with the one who gave birth to me. The Supreme God once again makes people admire the virtue of a good life. This time, the father of mankind leads the way for JK - the great father who reunites the descendants!
The female MC chokes up and speaks from the heart:
- I am not as good a talker as other MCs, but Mr. JK still chooses me. Maybe it is because we are in the same situation. Empathy can fully convey infinite joy! This joy becomes the inspiration for parents and children in the world to open their hearts to each other!
The female MC looks at the camera with red eyes, tender and affectionate as if she is admiring her father - Let's cherish every minute and every second with our dearest person!
The audience applauds for this meaningful message. The MC smiles softly and thanks them. She waits for JK and the offspring to walk to the center of the hall. The whole family gathers around the round table covered with a velvet carpet. At this time, the flexible and delicate MC takes charge of the stage again:
- We are all happy with Mr. JK's family, and I'm sure everyone in the world wants to express their sincerest congratulations. But not everyone has the opportunity to express their feelings!
Some people sitting at the banquet table interrupt:
- You congratulate on behalf of everyone!
- This is a good idea, do it now and always!
The guests and media respond enthusiastically, and the MC is modest:
- Thank you for giving me this honor, but it is difficult to express sincerity towards the nation family in thousands of words. Dry words are not as good as the voice that touches people's hearts. For ten years, that singing voice has sobbed through generations. Whether it is adults who have experienced all the ups and downs, or dreamy youth, all love it. I have fully felt the song voice given by God at most of the other reunion ceremonies. Whether cherishing your family or feeling indifferent because you have been separated from your parents since childhood, as long as you hear that song enter the human heart, everyone regards family as the only thing that exists in life!
The female MC turns her admiring voice to the star everyone is looking forward to the most:
- Yes, the owner of that God-given singing voice is a musician — Oriental legendary diva — National fairy — Hoa Tien Nu!
The hall bursts into warm applause to welcome the legend. The TV audience cheers excitedly to gaze at Hoa Tien Nu. The diva smiles like a flower and goes to her familiar position. The MC retreats to the wings and gives the stage to the fairy.
Notes
[1] Planting ficus benjamina is understood as "taking root" to attract the other person's attention without having to express feelings. In addition, planting ficus benjamina is also a way to compare the mood of a person pursuing someone. Even if you are not sure whether it will be accepted or rejected, you are still infatuated and a little blind.
[2] Figurative meaning: This phrase means cursing, extreme hatred, and contempt for an opponent. It is more serious than many other insults. It also implies being aggressive and not afraid of anyone.
[3] Holding the betrothal gift is also known as the ceremony of holding the gift or the ceremony of holding the fruit. It is a traditional custom held during the engagement ceremony of the Vietnamese people.
This ceremony is performed in two teams, male and female. During the engagement ceremony, the man's team holds the betrothal gift and hands it over to the woman's team. The groom's team is mainly selected from the groom's relatives and friends.
This team is all male and unmarried, and is usually younger than the groom. Similar to the groom's team, the bride's team is mainly composed of the bride's friends, colleagues and relatives. At the same time, this team is all female, unmarried, and often younger than the bride.
The groom's family prepares some lacquer boxes with betrothal gifts to send to the bride's family's home. The girl's family also needs a female team to receive the betrothal gifts from the boy's family. This ceremony is collectively known as the "holding the betrothal gift" ceremony.
The "holding the betrothal gift" ceremony is an extremely important custom in Vietnamese weddings, because it means giving good fortune and wishing the couple a happy future.
Offerings at Vietnamese engagement ceremonies usually include:
Betel nut and betel leaf box: Vietnamese people have always believed that betel nut is the beginning of all stories, so betel nut is an indispensable offering in the Vietnamese engagement ceremony.
Not only that, betel leaves and betel nut also symbolize intimacy, husband and wife love, stability, and auspiciousness.
Tea box: This is a box that northern Vietnamese are very familiar with. When people are talking, the teapot helps the conversation flow more openly.
Wine box: A glass of wine serves as a blessing for the soon-to-be-married couple.
Husband and wife cake box: The husband and wife cake symbolizes a couple's strong marriage, passion, harmony, and everlasting attachment.
Fruit box: This box is used on the ancestral altar to inform the ancestors of the upcoming wedding.
Lotus seed box: The lotus seed box is a token of gratitude to parents for giving birth and raising us.
Gac fruit glutinous rice box: The gac fruit glutinous rice box represents abundance, luck, and also good news for the family.
Roast suckling pig box: The roast suckling pig box is a symbol of abundance and wealth. On the other hand, it is also considered a blessing for the bride and groom to have many children.
The correct way to hold the box is also important in Vietnamese wedding ceremonies. The order of holding the box is mainly based on the number of boxes prepared by the groom's family.
The boxes contain 5 to 7 items: betel nut - wine and tobacco - fruit boxes - and tall boxes (such as green rice cake box, husband and wife cake box, lotus nut box, tea box).
The boxes consist of 9 to 11 boxes: betel nut - alcohol and cigarettes - suckling pig box - flower box - glutinous rice box - soda/beer box - and tall boxes (such as green rice cake box, husband and wife cake box, lotus nut, tea box).
After completing the handover procedure, the delivery and return of the gift box, the bride and groom need to give the lucky money to the team that holds the box. To perform this ceremony, the bride and groom should also pay attention to how to give the lucky money correctly.
Because this is considered to be a greeting, greeting and meaningful blessing to the bride and groom, the bride and groom hope that the two teams can also find their own happiness in the future. According to ancient customs, this is a way to give predestined blessings and help single people maintain their love path. Because they believe that if they do not give lucky money, they will lose the love path of the person who holds the box.
Preparation
The two families come together to agree on the number of engagement boxes.
The groom's family holds a handover ceremony.
Before arriving at the bride's house, the groom's family prepares a team in the order of grandparents, parents, and groom, and finally the team that holds the box.
After the two families greet each other, they exchange the box and bring it into the house. The bride's family receives the box and opens it. The groom's family representative makes a few statements during the ceremony, and the bride's representative thanks and finally accepts the box brought by the groom's family to complete the ceremony. Finally, the groom's mother and the bride's mother open the box together.
The bride meets both families
The groom obtains the consent of the bride's family and welcomes the bride to come down to greet both families and relatives from both sides.
The bride and groom hold a ceremony to worship their ancestors.
The bride's parents place the gifts brought by the groom's family on the ancestral altar. The bride's father leads the bride and groom close to the altar and performs the ceremony of worshipping the ancestors.
Two families discuss the wedding
After completing the above ceremony, both parties discuss the ceremony on the wedding day.
Give back gift
The bride's family gives back the gift and then returns the box to the groom's family to take home. This is the give back gift ceremony. When returning the gift, you should pay attention to the following points:
Do not use scissors when sharing the give back gift; tear it with your hands.
The give back gift should be an even number, not an odd number.
When returning the box to the groom's family, the lid of the box must be opened and never closed.
Clothing
When choosing clothes for the bride and groom's family, choose only polite and formal clothing styles that are suitable for traditional Vietnamese culture. The clothing of the team holding the box must always have the same color and design.
The groom's family team
Choosing attire for the groom's family is relatively simple. A white shirt, slacks, a tie, and luxurious western shoes are a perfect choice.
But when choosing shoes, ties, and other accessories, pay attention to synchronization to create a harmonious effect. Especially, men can also wear traditional men's Ao Dai, which not only matches each other in design and color, it also helps to make the ceremony more formal and traditional.
Traditional or innovative Ao Dai is always the most popular dress for the bride's family. Girls often pay close attention to their appearance, so clothing choices require careful consideration.
When choosing the bride's family Ao Dai, attention should also be paid to the color and design to synchronize the image and make the ceremony more harmonious. When choosing the formation, attention should be paid to the following factors:
Height
Height is one of the most important factors when choosing a formation. Whether it is the bride's family or the groom's family, they need to be of the same height.
It is best to choose a formation that is lower than the bride and groom. This makes the bride and groom more outstanding on the screen.
However, if you can't choose a formation that's shorter than the bride and groom and of the same height, then choosing outfits that are less prominent than the bride and groom is also a good idea.
Body
Similar to height, the body shape of the team should also be chosen to be the most flattering. Don't let too thin people stand near too fat people in the team, because this makes the team disproportionate.
Number of people holding boxes
The number of people holding the box depends entirely on the number of offerings prepared by the groom's family.
The groom obtains the consent of the bride's family and welcomes the bride to come down to greet both families and relatives from both sides.
The bride and groom hold a ceremony to worship their ancestors.
The bride's parents place the gifts brought by the groom's family on the ancestral altar. The bride's father leads the bride and groom close to the altar and performs the ceremony of worshipping the ancestors.
Two families discuss the wedding
After completing the above ceremony, both parties discuss the ceremony on the wedding day.
Give back gift
The bride's family gives back the gift and then returns the box to the groom's family to take home. This is the give back gift ceremony. When returning the gift, you should pay attention to the following points:
Do not use scissors when sharing the give back gift; tear it with your hands.
The give back gift should be an even number, not an odd number.
When returning the box to the groom's family, the lid of the box must be opened and never closed.
Clothing
When choosing clothes for the bride and groom's family, choose only polite and formal clothing styles that are suitable for traditional Vietnamese culture. The clothing of the team holding the box must always have the same color and design.
The groom's family team
Choosing attire for the groom's family is relatively simple. A white shirt, slacks, a tie, and luxurious western shoes are a perfect choice.
But when choosing shoes, ties, and other accessories, pay attention to synchronization to create a harmonious effect. Especially, men can also wear traditional men's Ao Dai, which not only matches each other in design and color, it also helps to make the ceremony more formal and traditional.
Traditional or innovative Ao Dai is always the most popular dress for the bride's family. Girls often pay close attention to their appearance, so clothing choices require careful consideration.
When choosing the bride's family Ao Dai, attention should also be paid to the color and design to synchronize the image and make the ceremony more harmonious. When choosing the formation, attention should be paid to the following factors:
Height
Height is one of the most important factors when choosing a formation. Whether it is the bride's family or the groom's family, they need to be of the same height.
It is best to choose a formation that is lower than the bride and groom. This makes the bride and groom more outstanding on the screen.
However, if you can't choose a formation that's shorter than the bride and groom and of the same height, then choosing outfits that are less prominent than the bride and groom is also a good idea.
Body
Similar to height, the body shape of the team should also be chosen to be the most flattering. Don't let too thin people stand near too fat people in the team, because this makes the team disproportionate.
Number of people holding boxes
The number of people holding the box depends entirely on the number of offerings prepared by the groom's family.
Body Type
Similar to height, the body types of the team members should also be chosen for the best coordination. A person who is too thin should not stand next to overweight, or the team will appear uncoordinated.
Number of "Box-Holders"
The number of "box-holders" depends entirely on the number of offerings prepared by the groom's family. In the northern provinces of Vietnam, the number of boxes is usually odd, such as 3, 5, or 7, sometimes even as high as 11 or 15. In contrast, southern Vietnamese use an even number of boxes for the engagement ceremony, usually 6 or 8, because these numbers symbolize prosperity and fortune.
Things to Avoid When "Holding the Boxes"
To ensure a smooth wedding, the bride and groom should also pay attention to the following:
It is not advisable to get married on "Lonely God," "Widow's Star," or "Empty Room" days, as these days may bring misfortune to the wife, such as loneliness or few children.
It is not recommended for the bride to get married during the "Kim Lau Zodiac Evil" year, to avoid the risk to children and wealth.
It is not advisable to get married in the seventh lunar month—this is the "Month of Wandering Souls," and also the "Month of the Separation of the Cowherd and the Weaving Maid."
Both teams must consist of unmarried young men and women. They should not choose people who are married or have children to participate.
Is it a problem to "Hold the Boxes" more than 3 times?
"What happens if a person holds the boxes more than 3 times?"
According to our ancestors, a girl who holds the boxes more than 3 times will lose her destined marriage and have a difficult time getting married. Because when holding the boxes, she gives her own fate away to the bride and groom, so if she does it too many times, she will "lose her destined marriage."
However, with the development of a modern lifestyle, people's mindsets have become more open. Nowadays, even if a person holds the boxes more than 3 times, it does not affect the fate of the team members. This is just an old belief with no verifiable basis, so there is no need to worry excessively.