My parents' wedding stories make me happy.I have pictures of my parents. Among them, the most memorable picture is my parents’ traditional Korean wedding picture. My father was 21, and my mother was 19, when they got married. It is important because the picture is a history of my family and even Korea's history.These days, the younger generation are having weddings in the western style, so our traditional wedding ceremony has almost gone. That is why this picture is very important for me.
  In Korean culture,women usually braided their long hair before they marry. After getting married, women tied their hair back and put a binyeo(hair stick) in it.  On the day of the wedding, the groom wore a traditional gown and the Joseon Dynasty government officer’s black hat. On the other hand, the bride’s dress was complicated.The bride wore a hair stick, bride headpiece(Jokduri), wedding ribbon, ceremonial dress,petticoat and hanbok shoes.  The traditional wedding ceremony was held at the bride’s house and they slept there overnight. After that, the groom and bride went to the groom's house. On their way home the groom rode a horse and the bride carried four men in a sedan chair.  They have two daughters, two sons and nine grandchildren. I have kept the picture since they passed away. I keep their engagement pictures and some other old photos.  I want to remind my grandchildren of the history of my family and our forgotten traditions.This picture will probably be passed to my children and their children again and again.

– SH

Relationship:  Im/migrant Im/migrant