On January 1st, the group wedding featuring on-water wedding customs in Doumen, a national-level intangible cultural heritage with a history of over 400 years, was tenderly staged at the Lingnan Grand Herb Garden in Doumen, Zhuhai. Ten couples from countries such as Portugal and regions such as Macao and Zhejiang Province embraced the water as their matchmaker and boats as their wedding sedan chairs, navigating toward the shore of happiness amid traditional rites and modern blessings.

At 10:00 A.M., lanterns hung high and the elegant scent of orchids filled the pier of Lingnan Grand Herb Garden where ten newly adorned boats to fetch the bride were quietly moored. Following ancient customs, the grooms' families performed rituals such as Zuogaotang (a wedding-eve gathering), Baixi (a new mat presented by the groom's brother) and Shangtou (hair-combing ritual), while the brides' families sang Tanjiajie Song(folk music) with the singing imbued with blessings and deep affection for their hometowns.

At midday, with orchids pinned in their hair, the brides boarded the boats to worship the Dragon King, gently sprinkling celebratory wine into the water to pray for marital harmony and prosperous households. With the melody of the song echoing, the decorated floral boats broke through the rippling water and slowly made their way toward the Zhonglianqiao pier.

Then the newlyweds joined the intangible-cultural-heritage parade. Lion dancers led the way, followed by groups showcasing Ground Color, Fire Dragon Dance, fish lanterns, and other performances along the streets. In front of the ceremonial table in the Shilong Village, the couples completed solemn and warm-hearted rites, including stepping over the fire pan, bowing to Heaven and Earth, and making vows.

This event also welcomed more than a dozen international guests from countries including France, Iran, Canada, and Kazakhstan. They carried fish lanterns, made wedding pastries, and took photos of the spectacle, immersing themselves in the on-water wedding customs. Iranian guest Navid and his Chinese wife YeYing both marveled that what they saw was more than just a wedding, but also a reflection of the warmth within the community.In the evening, a farmhouse banquet started. With authentic local flavors and cheerful laughter, it drew a warm and joyful close to this intangible cultural heritage event.

Source:PEARL

珠海斗门：中外新人体验水上婚嫁

1月1日，在珠海斗门岭南大地百草园，一场延续四百余年的国家级非遗婚礼——“斗门水上婚嫁习俗”集体婚礼温情上演。来自葡萄牙、澳门、浙江等地的10对新人，以水为媒、以船为轿，在传统仪式与现代祝福中，携手驶向幸福彼岸。

上午10时，岭南大地百草园码头灯笼高悬、兰韵清雅，10艘装饰一新的接亲喜船静静泊岸。新郎家依古礼行“坐高堂”“拜席”“上头”，新娘家则以咸水歌“叹家姐”，声声吟唱中浸满乡情与祝福。

午时，新娘头簪兰花、登船祭龙王，将喜酒轻洒水中，祈愿夫妻和睦、家业兴旺。咸水歌声里，花船破碧波，缓缓驶向中联码头。

随后，新人们加入非遗巡游队伍。醒狮开道，地色、舞火龙、鱼灯等方队沿街展演。石龙村礼台前，跨火盆、拜天地、许誓言，仪式庄重温馨。

本次活动还迎来法国、伊朗、加拿大、哈萨克斯坦等国的十余位外宾。他们提鱼灯、做喜饼、拍盛景，沉浸式体验水乡婚俗。“我看到的不只是婚礼，更是社区的温度。”伊朗友人那维德与中国妻子夜莺双双赞叹。傍晚，农家宴开席，地道风味伴着笑语欢声，为这场非遗之旅画上温暖句号。

文｜杨雪薇
图｜受访者提供
译 | 郑奕玲
英文审校 | 林佳岱