Daniel and Kelly, 29 Nov 07, Swissôtel Merchant Court
Ji Xiang's thoughts: So Happy Together
Rousing echoes of ‘yum-seng’ filled the ballroom even after the ‘official’ toasting ceremony has been completed. Usually, it is quite common to see a few individual tables having their own rounds of yum-seng to congratulate the newly-weds. But it is the first time that I have heard a ‘yum-seng’ competition - two tables across the ballroom, cheering their lungs aloud after one another. In Junxiong's words, it was akin to "好象刘三姐在斗山歌" (having a singing match), all in good jest of course.
Even during the official toasting ceremony, it's the first time I've seen the ladies overpowering their male counterparts, belting at their top of their voice without inhibition. Well done ladies!
Though the ‘yum-seng’ ceremony is almost a must-have for weddings, not many people know what this tradition is all about. Here goes:
It is from the Cantonese dialect of Guangdong Province in Southern China. Literally it means, "to finish drinking" or to empty one's glass of drink. The English equivalent for this is, "Bottoms up". It is a toast generally used during festivities like weddings, or for any general celebration, where drinks are consumed in copious quantities. "Yum-Seng" is usually shouted out three times in succession, and with increasing volume. The first syllable "YUM" is always extended, whilst the second syllable "SENG" is short and sharp. (source: YUMSENG.com. Really. There is such a website!)
Congratulations, Kelly and Daniel! 祝你们，永结同心，百头偕老，早生贵子！ (Wish that your hearts will be joined forever, that you will grow old happily together, and that you will be blessed with children!)
Band: Hui Bing, Junxiong & Jixiang
Repertoire:
When You Believe (1st march in), So Happy Together (First dish presentation), Truly Madly Deeply, Love Me, Fly Me To The Moon, Every Day I Love You, Time After Time, My Girl, Can't Take My Eyes Off You, I Want To Hold Your Hand, Now And Forever, Valentine, L-O-V-E, Wonderful Tonight
Eyes On Me (2nd march in), 遇见 (Encounter), 亲亲 (Kiss), 嫁给我 (Marry Me), 非你莫属 (It Had To Be You), 五月天 (May Day), 梁山伯与茱丽叶 (Liang Shan Bo & Juliet), 你最珍贵 (You're The Most Precious One), 进行式 (Procession), Forever Love
Wedding Tip:
Have a ready convoy of brothers and sisters who are willing to scream their lungs out for you!
Compliments from the couple:
Hi Hui Bing, your band really made a difference to our wedding. Our guests enjoyed your performance so much, and a few kept asking about you guys. Thanks so much and will catch up with you soon. Please express my thanks to your members!
Rousing echoes of ‘yum-seng’ filled the ballroom even after the ‘official’ toasting ceremony has been completed. Usually, it is quite common to see a few individual tables having their own rounds of yum-seng to congratulate the newly-weds. But it is the first time that I have heard a ‘yum-seng’ competition - two tables across the ballroom, cheering their lungs aloud after one another. In Junxiong's words, it was akin to "好象刘三姐在斗山歌" (having a singing match), all in good jest of course.
Even during the official toasting ceremony, it's the first time I've seen the ladies overpowering their male counterparts, belting at their top of their voice without inhibition. Well done ladies!
Though the ‘yum-seng’ ceremony is almost a must-have for weddings, not many people know what this tradition is all about. Here goes:
It is from the Cantonese dialect of Guangdong Province in Southern China. Literally it means, "to finish drinking" or to empty one's glass of drink. The English equivalent for this is, "Bottoms up". It is a toast generally used during festivities like weddings, or for any general celebration, where drinks are consumed in copious quantities. "Yum-Seng" is usually shouted out three times in succession, and with increasing volume. The first syllable "YUM" is always extended, whilst the second syllable "SENG" is short and sharp. (source: YUMSENG.com. Really. There is such a website!)
Congratulations, Kelly and Daniel! 祝你们，永结同心，百头偕老，早生贵子！ (Wish that your hearts will be joined forever, that you will grow old happily together, and that you will be blessed with children!)
Band: Hui Bing, Junxiong & Jixiang
Repertoire:
When You Believe (1st march in), So Happy Together (First dish presentation), Truly Madly Deeply, Love Me, Fly Me To The Moon, Every Day I Love You, Time After Time, My Girl, Can't Take My Eyes Off You, I Want To Hold Your Hand, Now And Forever, Valentine, L-O-V-E, Wonderful Tonight
Eyes On Me (2nd march in), 遇见 (Encounter), 亲亲 (Kiss), 嫁给我 (Marry Me), 非你莫属 (It Had To Be You), 五月天 (May Day), 梁山伯与茱丽叶 (Liang Shan Bo & Juliet), 你最珍贵 (You're The Most Precious One), 进行式 (Procession), Forever Love
Wedding Tip:
Have a ready convoy of brothers and sisters who are willing to scream their lungs out for you!
Compliments from the couple:
Hi Hui Bing, your band really made a difference to our wedding. Our guests enjoyed your performance so much, and a few kept asking about you guys. Thanks so much and will catch up with you soon. Please express my thanks to your members!