[Photo by Zhang Zhaozeng/cpanet.org.cn]

Frontage wedding

Date: 1984

Location: Xisi area

Wedding ceremonies were quite simple for common people in the 1980s, who mostly lived in crowded yards. Most didn't bother to select an auspicious day and just chose a Sunday, informing their relatives and friends in advance. The Chinese characters shuang xi (double happiness) would be pasted on the gate of the yard and guests would set off firecrackers, then a simple feast would be held in the yard to celebrate the wedding.