It was such a great experience... one that I hope to never forget.
It's a bit hard to explain... but, it's kind of like those movies or shows or whatnot that you watch sometimes... the ones that have this person experiencing a different culture from their own. And, you can help but figure, oh man... I wonder how it is to be in that person's shoes... how it is to be able to see, hear, feel all that is around.
Well, I was on the other side of that today. I was the person engulfed in the different culture.
It was such a good wedding.
It was in a shrine... and it consisted of taiko drums, a high-pitched flute, chanting, ceremonial dance-like offering/prayer. Words just can't describe it. I know that I will most likely never experience something like it... I'm glad I was invited.
Not only that... I also participated in the procession to the shrine. I carried this red umbrella over the bride that, according to what I was told, is usually carried by the father to "protect" the bride. Then, he gives it to the groom, which symbolizes the responsibility of the protection of the daughter being passed on to the groom.
Well, obviously I was neither the father nor groom... but, a body that could hold the umbrella up... heh heh. Not that I'm complaining... if it's rare enough to be able to experience a wedding in a different culture, it's less likely to actually participate in it. I just wish I had given my camera to a friend to snap shots while doing my task of holding the umbrella. But, alas... I did not. I just have the memories to remind me.
Then... after the ceremony... it was party time at a hotel. Yup... here is what some of you might be waiting for:
The video is of the wedding performance we have been practicing. We might not be professional dancers now... but, I'm proud of the outcome.
If asked to do it again... you can guarantee I would. It was just too much fun to let the opportunity pass by... even if I was more nervous than expected... even if I revealed a bit of a "free service" by showing my underwear... heh heh.
Well... enough rambling... point is that I had a good time and hope more of these are in the horizon!
Photographer made me sit like that... jeebuz!
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