You’re my one and only love: The couples taking their wedding vows at the Ipoh Chin Woo Athletic Association hall in Ipoh.
IPOH: There was certainly no taboo for 13 couples who decided to tie the knot despite it being the Hungry Ghost Festival month.
They proceeded to get registered en masse at the Ipoh Chin Woo Athletic Association hall here yesterday.
It is said to be inauspicious for couples to get married during the month, when the Chinese believe the gate of hell is opened for spirits and souls to roam the mortal realm.
However, the special “8.8” date yesterday was the main reason why most of them decided to get registered.
For beautician Poon Mee Yan, who married Lim Keong Phong, 31, the date “8.8” was specially chosen.
“It is a prosperous date which the Chinese believe brings good luck. We will be holding our traditional wedding ceremony next month,” said Poon, 32.
Chef Khoo Kang Fu, 24, said he and his wife Joylene Lee Zu Ning, 24, were not superstitious about the Hungry Ghost month.
“We are okay with registering our marriage this month, as we are quite modern in our thinking. Our families too were okay with us getting married this month.
“My wife is pregnant and once she delivers, we will hold our traditional wedding ceremony in December,” he said.
Accountant Ong Yee Shan, 28, and husband Lai Juin Meng, 29, a mechanic, said they too had no pantang (taboo).
“It is okay to get registered during this period, but maybe for the traditional wedding ceremony it is better to hold it in another month.
“The number 8.8 brings luck, so we decided to get registered,” said Ong, who is from Bidor.
Au Chung Puh, 27, who works in a metal recycling company, also said the date was chosen due to it being auspicious.
“Our traditional wedding ceremony will be in October, so getting registered during the Hungry Ghost month is not a big deal.
“Our family has not said anything about not wanting us to register this month, so it should be all right,” he said while his wife Chin Xhin Mei, 22, nodded in agreement.
Association president Datuk Ooi Foh Sing said that the “8.8” meant “Fatt Fatt” (Good Luck).
He said the younger generation was not too concerned about taboos.
“This month, we pay respects to our ancestors, to remember them, and get their blessings.
“I wish the couples a happy married life, and wish them lots of success, good luck and to always remain happy,” he added.
