Traditional Korean Weddings

We’re having a traditional Korean wedding ceremony, which might look different than other weddings you’ve been to!

You'll get to experience Four Elements Percussion (사물놀이) and traditional Korean instruments and singing.

The setting

Traditionally, the groom would travel to the bride’s village and the wedding would take place at her house. He was led by a “geese bearer” (기럭아범), who represented the family’s interests in external affairs. For our ceremony, Nour’s brother Anas will be the geese bearer.

Groom’s entrance

Nour will be carried down the aisle to meet Jane’s parents, covering his face throughout the procession. Traditionally, it was only the women of the family that would see the groom and accept him, but since Jane didn’t want to be sexist, her dad will get to see Nour’s face too ;)

전안례 Presentation of Wild Geese

The groom brings wooden geese to the future mother-in-law to ask permission to marry the bride. Wild geese were thought to mate for life, and symbolize life-long fidelity.

Bride’s entrance

Once Jane’s parents give their blessings, Nour and Jane see each other for the “first time.” Jane should pop out of the house, but will float down the aisle instead because that's more dramatic and fun.

교배례 Purification

A ritual of washing hands to purify the mind and body. The bride bows to the groom twice, then the groom bows once. In Eastern philosophy, feminine yin is an even number and masculine yang is an odd number. (Should Jane bow twice and Nour thrice? Probably, but then dinner would be delayed)

서천지례 & 서배우례 Raising of the cups, drinking of the cups

The bride and groom make vows: first to Heaven, then to Earth. They each drink half of their rice wine, and trade cups to drink each other’s remaining half.

합근배례 Drinking of the gourds

The groom’s side has red (masculine yang) thread and the bride’s side has blue thread. The thread is tangled together to show that the couple is now one. Then there’s some drinking from two gourd halves that make up one fruit.

Final blessing

At the very end, there will be a call for you to shout 잘 살아라!

“Jal sal-ara!” Which is your blessing for us to live well!