Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1881-07-07
A CHINESE WEDDTNG-FEAST.
a Natalie Event in the Chinese Quar-.
ter Of san Francisco.
San Franciro Call.

One of the most notable weddings
known to the history of Chinatown,
occurred in that section of our city on
Tuesday evening, the contracting par
ties being Lee Lou, prominent In
Chinese enterprise, and proprietor of
the Grand Chinese restaurant, on Jack
son street, near Dupont, and alsp all
other large Chinese restaurant at No.
71O Jackson street, and Miss All Chung.
slender, Acknowledged maiden of
about 16 summers. The ceremonies
took place at the residence OF the
bridegroom, No. no Jackson street,
after which the friends of the BRIDE
groom gave him grand banquet. The
wedding gifts were numerous and very
elegant, and consisted Of rich garments
and valuable jewelry, finger and ear
rings, bracelets and bangles. AS is the
custom on such occasions, the presents
to the bride were all given by her fe-
male friends, and those made to the
groom by his male friends.
At 5 o'clock yesterday afternoon the
banquet given by the bridegroom to
his friends was opened, and about four
hundred Chinese of both sexes assem-
bled to partake of his hospitality. The
two upper floors of his restaurant at
No. 40 jackson street were soon filled,
and table for the accommodation of
one hundred and fifty guests was set in
the Chinese theatre adjoining the res
taurant. The female guests were seat
ed in room by themselves removed
from the rude gaze of the opposite sex.
A table was also set for the Caucasian
guests, about ten of whom were pres
ent, and which was presided over by
Sam Even and Lee Yung, both Chinese
interpreters, and who on this occasion,
acted as the bridegroom's masters of
ceremonies.
The tables were covered with spot
less linen, and those occupied by the
American guests were set in the con-
ventional style, with knives and forks,
while the Monaghan guests manpu-
lated the chop-sticks. All was jollity
and good feeling as the guests partook
of the repast, which was most re-
cherche.
At 6 o'clock the pealing of gongs and
explosion of thousands of firecrackers,
both in the building and without, an
nounced that the bride was about to
visit the guests, and in a few moments
she entered, surrounded by and sup
ported on either side by Chinese mat
rons This was signal for an increase
of the din, and, if possible, it was aug
mented by the cries and plaudlts of the
guests. The bride passed through the
room, holding far in front of her face,
and received the congratulations of the
guests. In the case of a favored few
she was prevailed upon to overcome
her bashfulness for a few moments,
and at the request of her husband,
rendered them the compliment of tea
drinking, which was appreciatively re-
ceived. Then, replacing the fan in
front OF her face she slowly backed
away, supported by the matrons. 1t
was explained that had she turned her
back and walked rapidly away, it
would have been a mark of contempt,
whereas by slowly backing away great
respect was shown.
The festivities will be kept up until
the expiration Of three days from the
marriage ceremony, when the bride
will return without the groom, to her
parents, who reside in Spofford alley.
Here she will entertain her female
friends. At these festivities the hus-
band must not appear until ,sent for by
his father-in-law, who seldom keeps
him IN suspense more than two days.
Upon being notified by the brides pa
rents, he goes to their house, when
taking his bride, he Immediately re-
turns to his own home. which, thereaf-
ter, is to be hers also.