Double blessings: Foo and Tan posing with the lion and dragon heads at the entrance of the Che Hoon Khor Moral Uplifting Society Penang in George Town after they took part in the mass marriage registration ceremony (pic, below) along with 17 other couples. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: When a lion dancer gets married, of course the lion will tag along and since it is the Year of the Dragon, the dragon would want to dance too.
Lion dance performer Foo Weng Kai, 30, was accompanied by his troupe when he tied the knot with Tan Yiru, 30.
Their marriage was heralded by loud drums and cymbals, along with lion and dragon dance performances.
They chose Valentine’s Day because three years ago, Foo plucked the courage to ask Tan to be his girlfriend on Feb 14.
“I am a performer and the secretary of the Thang Loong Culture and Sports Association where we perform throughout the year.
“As I have been part of the group for a decade, it made sense to have them come join us, especially since it is still Chinese New Year celebrations,” he said at the Che Hoon Khor Moral Uplifting Society Penang yesterday, where 18 couples took part in a mass marriage registration ceremony.
Foo, who is an engineer, said he met Tan through a mutual friend and they fell in love.
“We will hold a wedding ceremony in November to celebrate with friends and family.
“We chose to take part in the mass registration as we are allowed to invite more people and even have the lion and dragon dances,” he said.
Couple Crystal Goh and Wind Cheah, both 35, said February is a special month for the two of them.
“We are both born in February.
“Even my parents and his mother are born in February,” said Goh, a businesswoman.
“It is an easy date to remember,” she added.
She shared that their love blossomed from five years of friendship.
“We met when we both took part in a self development training course.
“We were friends before we fell in love and what drew me to him is his calm nature.
“Whenever I am emotional or angry, he doesn’t say anything but offers warmth and a hug,” she said, adding that she has married her buddy for life.
Goh said they are now waiting for their parents to choose a good date to hold the ceremony.
Society president Datuk Sim Ah Chye said this year’s Valentine’s Day is extra special as it coincides with the fifth day of the Chinese Dragon New Year.
“It gives me immense pleasure to witness this momentous event where love and commitment intertwine to create lifelong bonds.
“It is special to witness the union of 18 couples in matrimony, surrounded by the vibrant energy of the Lunar New Year festivities.
“Marriage is not merely a legal contract; it is a sacred covenant.”
“We hope their harmonious and loving relationships form the foundation for a fulfilling and prosperous life together,” he said.
National Registration Department Penang director Shah Inor Shahbudin who was the guest of honour, said it was special for them as 18 couples had chosen to be registered together on Valentine’s Day.
“It is the only mass registration in the state today. I wish all the couples a happy married life,” she said.
