Ah, this Vietnamese tea ceremony, let me tell you, it’s something truly special. When a young couple in Vietnam gets hitched, the tea ceremony is right there, setting the stage. It’s not just some fancy party thing, no. This tea ceremony is like a whole promise wrapped up in a tray. They say it’s the first step to a good marriage. You know, a good beginning makes a good ending—that’s what the folks in Vietnam believe. So, the tea ceremony has to be done right, or else, how can the marriage go smooth?

Why Do They Use Tea Ceremony Trays?

Now, let me tell you about these tea trays. See, they call them “Mam Qua,” which is a set of trays for the ceremony. And it’s not like any old tray! These trays hold all sorts of goodies, each with its own meaning. There’s usually a minimum of six trays, but some families go all out and have eight or even ten, if they’ve got the money to show off a bit. It’s all about showing respect and giving blessings for the marriage. Each item on the tray represents good wishes for the couple’s future, like prosperity, respect, and all that nice stuff.

• There’s always tea, of course. Tea is like respect in a cup; it’s what brings the families together.
• Then there’s the roasted pig—oh, that’s the big one! It shows wealth and a full, happy life ahead.
• Some fruits, like oranges or apples, because they symbolize happiness and sweetness in the marriage.
• And sometimes, you’ll see cakes, especially red ones, for luck and a sweet life.

Preparing the Trays: Not Just Any Old Tray Will Do

These tea trays aren’t just something you pull out of a cabinet, oh no. Families get special ones, all nice and shiny, and sometimes they’re even handmade! They can be bamboo, metal, or even silk-covered trays, all depending on how fancy the family wants to get. Red is the color they usually go for, and that’s because red means luck in Vietnamese culture. You want all the luck you can get on a wedding day, let me tell you.

So, on the morning of the ceremony, you’ll see the groom’s family carrying these trays into the bride’s home. They line up in a proper parade, looking like they mean serious business. The trays are usually an even number, because even numbers mean harmony. Each family member or close friend carries a tray, and they all head over to the bride’s house to kick off the tea ceremony. It’s like a mini festival right in the middle of a wedding!

The Ceremony Itself: Why It’s Important

Now, when they start the tea ceremony, it’s a moment. The groom’s family offers the trays to the bride’s family, and both sides sit together and share tea. It’s like saying, “We’re all family now.” Then, the young couple serves tea to their elders, one by one. It’s a mark of respect, and it also says, “Thank you for all you’ve done.” The elders give blessings and sometimes even little gifts to the newlyweds, like a small bit of cash or jewelry. It’s about honoring the old generation while sending off the young folks with well-wishes.

How the Trays Have Changed Over Time

Back in the day, they used to set up this tea ceremony a year or two before the wedding, can you imagine that? But now, people don’t have that kind of time, so they do it a week or even a day before the big wedding. The world moves fast, but folks in Vietnam still hold onto the tradition, even if they’ve cut back on the timing.

And these days, you can find all sorts of fancy tea trays online! Some are simple bamboo trays with drainage, perfect for a classic touch. Others are more elaborate, with silk and embroidery, looking fit for royalty. You don’t have to be rich to get a nice set for the tea ceremony now, but the tradition still holds strong.

Why This Tea Ceremony Is So Meaningful

See, it’s all about family and respect. A wedding is more than just two people—it’s about bringing families together and keeping the family tree growing strong. This tea ceremony? It’s like planting a seed. They believe if you start with respect, the marriage will be full of it. And that’s the dream, right?

So there you go. The Vietnamese tea ceremony trays are more than just trays; they’re symbols, carriers of blessings and good wishes. It’s a beautiful thing when old customs stay alive, reminding us of where we came from and how we want to move forward. And let me tell you, a wedding that starts with a good tea ceremony? That’s a wedding set up for a whole lot of happiness.

Tags：[Vietnamese tea ceremony, Mam Qua, wedding traditions, Vietnamese culture, tea ceremony trays]