Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
The guests were ushered into the hall.
The coming-of-age ceremony officially commenced.
Old Mr. Wen and Old Mr. Mo sat at the seats reserved for the hosts. Old Mr. Mo was clad in a green robe which made him appear slim and slender, while Old Mr. Wen donned a dark chestnut brown robe, appearing stern and formal.
Zhou Huiyan then took her seat, dressed in a bright red dress with her hair combed back into a peony-style hairdo, accompanied by a red phoenix hairpin. She walked with a confident gait and exuded a dignified yet gentle aura.
The secretary, Wan Niang, got into position. She was dressed in a red, embroidered dress that had a cloud and peacock pattern, with a vibrant hairpin in her hair. The colorful ensemble brought out her classic grace.
The tribute, Zhou Tianyu, also got into her position, dressed in a honey-colored dress which had a large cluster of brocade flowers embroidered on its fabric. The white jade and red coral beads accessory accentuated her beauty.
All of the guests proceeded to take their seats when the ceremony officially commenced. Some of the important guests were even dressed in retro and vintage outfits so as to fit the theme. Although they were not dressed in ancient clothing, they did not look strange at all. The strict rules and etiquette of the ceremony made everyone put on their best behavior as an austere and somber mood filled the air. All of their smiles vanished as well.
Once all of the guests were seated, Old Mr. Wen stood up slowly and said with a stern expression on his face, “Thank you all valued guests, for taking the time out of your busy schedules to attend my granddaughter, Wen Xinya’s coming-of-age ceremony. Now… the ceremony shall begin!”
Although there was no applause, everyone took the ceremony seriously.
Old Mr. Mo then stood up and said, “Now, Wen Xinya shall enter and greet all valued guests and family members!”
The seamless melody of silk bamboo sounded and everyone cast their glances at the long aisle along the Westside and the two rows of young girls who were standing at both sides of the aisle, each holding a floral, pine-oil lamp.
Wen Xinya was dressed in a pure white dress, appearing bright and pure like a pear blossom. She was glowing and exuded a graceful charm while her long tresses cascaded down her back. It was as if her silky and shiny hair encapsulated all of the beauty of the moon. She slowly stepped onto the opulent carpet which was covered in floral embroidery, allowing the train of her long dress to drag along with her footsteps. They looked like flowers that bloomed with every step she took.
It was in fact even more vibrant than flowers!
Wen Xinya continued to approach the stage and everyone held their breaths.
After part of the ceremony was completed, Old Mr. Wen said smilingly, “May we welcome Madam Zhou to help Xinya go through the ritual.”
Wen Xinya was seated facing the East.
Wan Niang served up the handkerchief and hairpin.
Zhou Huiyan walked towards Wen Xinya and said, “It’s an auspicious date today and it’s the beginning of your adulthood. Abandon your adolescence and grow into a virtuous woman.”
Wen Xinya nodded and listened attentively.
Zhou Huiyan knelt down with the wooden comb in hand, after which she gently combed Wen Xinya’s long hair and stuck a simple yet pretty hairpin in her hair with her nimble hands. She then stood up and returned to her seat.
Zhou Tianyu’s eyes turned red and she walked towards Wen Xinya to help her tidy her hair. A lump formed in her throat and she began sobbing somehow, for she felt extremely touched by the formal ceremony.
Wen Xinya teared up!
Mother, are you seeing this?
Your daughter has finally grown up.
Holding her tears back, she stood up slowly. Zhou Huiyan stared at Wen Xinya, feeling extremely heartened. She had witnessed her growth and evolution. Zhou Huiyan then continued to give her wishes.
Wen Xinya thanked her.
Wen Xinya returned to the East room.
Wan Niang walked towards her with the gown and accessories.
Zhou Tianyu picked up the robe and put it on for Wen Xinya before helping her wear the accessories.
Once her attire was ready, Wen Xinya left the East room and proceeded with the rest of the ceremony!
Wen Xinya was dressed in a plain, white enamel embroidered dress that had gold and black phoenix embroidery that swayed gracefully with every step she took. While she strutted on, a golden ray was emitted from her dress and the wings of the phoenix spread open beautifully. It was incredibly opulent and extravagant!
The white floral hairpin beside her ear possessed the beauty of viburnum flowers which had their petals spread out beautifully like butterflies dancing in the air. They were beautiful and graceful like her. The long tassels dangled around her earlobe and the shiny black beads glowed under the light, a perfect complement for her dangling earrings.
“First kowtow, show your gratitude for your family raising you!”
Wen Xinya knelt on the ground and kowtowed to Old Mr. Wen and Old Mr. Mo.
The second part of the ceremony then begun. Wen Xinya sat facing the East while Zhou Huiyan washed her hands and returned to her seat. Wan Niang served the hair accessory.
Zhou Huiyan walked towards Wen Xinya and recited the formal instructions of the rite. “On this day of the lunar month, the ceremony is held and you shall become a woman of virtue. You will be blessed for the rest of your life.”
She then removed the wooden hairpin in Wen Xinya’s hair and knelt on the ground to stick the other hairpin in her hair. Zhou Tianyu then changed into a gown that matched the hairpin.
The pin on Wen Xinya’s head was replaced with a white one which had a beautiful phoenix on it, its wings spread widely amidst the dangling red coral and jade beads. The bright red beads dangled in front of her forehead gracefully like a phoenix decorated with red silk that spread open with her footsteps and sage that seemed to sway gracefully in the wind.
Wen Xinya then knelt before Old Mr. Wen and Old Mr. Mo again to show her love and respect for them.
The third part of the ceremony began!
“With time, you grow to adulthood. Brothers are present and you’re to become a virtuous woman. ”
The tribute removes the hairpin and replaces it with the cap! The gown is then put on!
The white, crocheted rose-shaped cap on her head had paper-pin petals which glowed beautifully under the yellow light. The fine silver silk flower poked out from the petals. The phoenix gown on her body which trailed across the ground made her look extremely classy and posh.
Wen Xinya knelt down on the ground facing the South and saluted to the Heaven and the Earth.
Next up was the banquet.
The tribute served the alcohol and Zhou Huiyan grabbed the jar of wine. She again recited the ritual verses.
Wen Xinya proceeded with the ritual and grabbed the wine before walking towards the banquet hall. She then knelt down and rubbed some wine on her lips as a part of the ritual. Wan Niang served the rice and she ate some of it as well.
It was time for the calligraphy.
Zhou Huiyan said, “The ceremony is prepared on this auspicious day. It’s time for you to do a writing. You shall be protected forever.”
Wen Xinya answered, “Although I’m not sensitive, I will not stay up late!”
Old Mr. Wen looked at Wen Xinya and said sternly, “You ought to act appropriately and remember the virtues you were taught. Stay modest, honest, have a clear conscience and be faithful!”
Wen Xinya answered, “I wouldn’t dare to defy your orders!”
After thanking the honored guest, the secretary, and the tribute, Wen Xinya thanked the guests.
“The ceremony is completed!”
