Mandarin Monkey Podcast E10 - Marriage, Strange Things and Selfishness
Sep 11, 2018
Dive into a delightful wedding journey that blends Taiwanese and Western traditions. Experience the humorous tales of gift customs, including a nutritious chicken essence, and the oddity of a broccoli bouquet. Hear about fortune tellers, tea ceremonies, and the excitement of signing a marriage contract. Reflect on the emotional moments of the big day, quirky cultural sights, and the trust inherent in Taiwanese scooter culture. The hosts also explore the contrasts between kindness and selfishness in daily life, all wrapped in charming Chinglish!
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Respect Through Practical Gifts
- Tom brought a box of concentrated chicken soup (鸡精) as a respectful meeting gift for Yula's parents.
- The gift worked because it matched cultural expectations of giving useful items to elders.
Mixed Taiwanese-Western Photoshoot
- The couple took wedding photos indoors and once outdoors at a temple in Taichung.
- They rented multiple outfits and mixed Taiwanese and Western wedding styles for photos and reception.
Tea Ceremony Red Envelope Custom
- During the tea ceremony each family member gave a red envelope placed under the cup as a symbolic gesture.
- Tom noted Yula's father didn't know to place a red envelope under the cup and missed the custom.