The historic Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion in Georgetown, Penang served as the venue for the next part of Annie’s cousin’s wedding, a traditional Chinese wedding game called “Fetching the Bride”.
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion Doorway
I Can See Clearly Now, the Rain is Gone
The previous night’s Chinese Wedding Tea Ceremony was a rainy affair, so it was a good thing the dinner was held underneath a large canopy. The next day, however, was bright and radiant, just like the bride. She was relaxing upstairs in one of the suites, enjoying the coolness of the air conditioning while the groom and his party were going through a series of “trials” to get past her bridesmaids to her.
I Can See All Obstacles in My Way
“Fetching the Bride” is one part of the traditional Chinese wedding activities. This is the stage where the groom is supposed to prove his worthiness and love for the bride to her bridesmaids. The girls had devised a number of trials and tests for him and his men to either endure or bribe their way through.
We had arrived a bit late, so we missed the first few tests. But here is one that the guys were going through when we got there: applying eyeliner to each other. Another painful test was making the guys wear high heels while walking up the stairs.
Fetch the Bride Game: Eyeliner
At the top of the stairs, the girls tested the groom on his intimate knowledge of the bride: out of six lipstick kisses, which lips were hers? He had three guesses, and one wrong guess meant he had to pay a big bribe to the bridesmaid in order to guess again. (He made two wrong guesses and ended up paying a hefty ransom!)
Fetch the Bride Game: Lipstick
Have you seen or participated in a “Fetching the Bride” game? What games were played? Leave a comment and share with the rest of us!
Gone are the Dark Clouds that Had Me Blind
For the final test, they made him play the guitar and serenade the bride with a song. Unfortunately it was too dark in the hallway so I couldn’t get a good video of him singing. But it was really a cute moment when he finished his song, and they opened the door to the suite. He went in on his knees to deliver the bouquet and lift her veil, thus signaling his acceptance.
Fetching the Bride: Inside
Gonna Be a Bright, Bright, Sunshiny Day
Afterward, we all went outside into the hot sun to take some more wedding pics. There was a trishaw set up in the Mansion’s driveway with a “Just Married” sign on it. After all the different wedding party pics were taken, the driver took the newlywed couple out for a little spin around the block by themselves. The rest of use went inside to have some light refreshments.
Look All Around, There’s Nothin’ But Blue Skies
The Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion is also known as the “Blue Mansion” thanks to its distinctive, indigo-dyed walls. The Mansion was originally built in the late 1800’s by Cheong Fatt Tze, a businessman, banker, and politician who was known as the “Rockefeller of the East” who had built a great merchant empire all over Southeast Asia. His home base was Penang, where he chose to build his most elaborate mansion, reminiscent of his native China but filled with artwork and other lavish features from around the world.
Look Straight Ahead, Nothin’ but Blue Skies
In the middle of the main hall is the open-air courtyard. There is actually no roof over the courtyard, so daylight illuminates the courtyard directly. It is a particularly breath-taking sight when you first walk through the doors. Take look at this 360* panoramic view of the courtyard.
Here is the Rainbow I’ve Been Prayin’ For
Since it was close to lunchtime, we wedding guests were served a light meal of nasi lemak and colorful Nonya kueh. These sweet, steamed cakes made from glutinous rice or tapioca starch, flavored with pandan or coconut (or both) were a big hit. Especially the pulut inti topped with fresh kaya – yum!
It’s Gonna Be a Bright, Bright Sunshiny Day
While we were eating, the bride and groom came back to have more pictures taken inside the courtyard. Finally, we started packing up to clear out for another party. But I seriously wouldn’t mind coming back to the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion on our own, just to take the tour and walk around, maybe even stay for a night (they have 16 rooms for rent).
The Mansion had been saved from decay and destruction in the 1990’s and painstakingly repaired and restored to its original splendor. There is so much wonderful architecture and artwork to take in, it’s a photographer’s delight. I just love all the colors and textures you can find everywhere you look.
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion Door Knocker
If you’re in Penang, make plans to see the Mansion. If you aren’t planning to stay overnight, you can take one of the three daily guided tours of the place for a measly fee of 12 ringgit. But I think in order to get the full experience you’ll have to stay overnight.
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