That was a little treasure in the middle of a wonderful day. A few seconds of being transported – it seemed – in another world.
On that warm day of spring in Fujian province, I actually witnessed a moment that I thought only belonged to history books and novels.
It was the parade of a traditional Chinese wedding and a glimpse at the palanquin of the bride.
I could imagine the rest of that day for her: earlier, getting ready at her home, now, in this red palanquin being carried by four men on that dirt country road to the home of her future husband, with a veil on her face probably… and later, the ceremony where her future husband and she will discover each other’s faces… maybe for the first time… who knows?
It was just like stories from the 19th century or even from 30 years ago (I had read the long description of such a day in Mao’s Dancer a few weeks prior).
And on that day, in the beautiful countryside, 3 hours away from Xiamen, from the top floor of one of these traditional round Hakka houses, I witnessed it!
A very special moment of Chinese tradition! Maybe it did not mean much to my fellow travelers, but for me, it was one of the most exciting moments of my time in China…