Written by：Huang Zi Hau, Tsai Ting An, Chang Kai Ping, Lee Yu Cheng, Fu Yu Xuan, Wu Cheng Xun, Yu Bing Han, Haung Zhou Yi

On the new year day of 2003, we were required to go to Taichung Park. We were going to take picture with the city mayor. It was really exciting! Therefore, in the first day of the new year, we happily run to the park.

Before we were there, we already knew there would be a Fu Er Mor Sha ecology wedding ceremony and the city mayor would be there. Only after the ceremony could we take picture with the mayor. Before our turn, we had to watch the ceremony. We shared the happiness with those newlyweds. The presiding witness, the city mayor, wished each couple a long marriage. He also announced that the first baby could earn a 10,000 NT from government. He also gave away items like thermos bottles, dish dryers and electric rice cookers as souvenirs. He also explained the purpose of a wedding ceremony in Taichung Park. Under the witness of trees in the park, newly couples could be baptized by the nature. That’s why it is called “ecology wedding ceremony”. It’s a perfect idea. The name, “Fu Er Mor Sha”, also has its special connotation. “Fu” means that a husband needs to play dumb (fu-tu) when the wife uses credit card frequently. “Er” means the wife has many “ears” (er-mu); therefore, the husband had better behave properly. “Mor” means model. “Sha” means the head veil (tou- sha) that the bridal wears. The bridal marries to the groom when she is most beautiful; therefore, the husband has to take good care of her. The entire connotation makes “Fu Er Mor Sha” special.

Finally it was our turn to take the picture with the city mayor. The mayor was very busy, however, he still gave us a warm greeting. We rushed to her and presented the best face to take the picture. The mayor was too busy to take any picture with us. It was really disappointing. However, this picture alone can enrich our website.

This time we attended to a wedding ceremony called, “Fu Er Mor Sha Ecology Wedding ceremony”. The presiding witness was the city mayor, Hu Zhi Qiang. The mayor said in the blessing speech, “ ‘Fu’ means that a husband needs to play dumb (fu-tu) when the wife uses credit card frequently. ‘Er’ means the wife has many ‘ears’ (er-mu); therefore, the husband had better behave properly. ‘Mor’ means model. ‘Sha’ means the head veil (tou- sha) that the bridal wears. The bridal marries to the groom when she is most beautiful; therefore, the husband has to take good care of her. Since today was the new year, they wouldn’t forget their wedding date. There were 105 couples total in number participate this wedding ceremony. The park seemed to be more crowded than usual.

At the beginning of the ceremony, witness, matchmaker, parental representatives and guest all gave their toast speech to bless the newlyweds. Therefore, it took a lot time to finish the speech. After the ceremony, grooms and brides kiss each other and then went together to the avenue of love (exactly like romantic stories)- that is Hu Xin Pavilion to take pictures with the mayor. Then, the ceremony came to a perfect end.

We waited for a long time to take picture with the mayor. We gave a great pose. After that, the teachers bought us some cool drink that was perfect for a hot day.

I really enjoyed this opportunity to see so many couples and to take picture with the mayor. I had a great time.

Today is January 1, 2003. Wow, time flies. Another year past. The purpose of our trip to Taichung Park was to attend ecology-wedding ceremony and to take picture with the city mayor. There were 105 couples in total today. From now on, each new year day will be their wedding anniversary. How special!

When everybody arrived, we moved to the ceremony place. On the ground was a red long carpet. Many newlyweds walked along the carpet. Hope one day I also can walk on such a carpet. When arriving at the place, we saw four big characters written as , “Fu Er Mor Sha”. It has a special connotation. “Fu” means that a husband needs to play dumb (fu-tu) when the wife uses credit card frequently. “Er” means the wife has many “ears” (er-mu); therefore, the husband had better behave properly. “Mor” means model. “Sha” means the head veil (tou- sha) that the bridal wears. The bridal marries to the groom when she is most beautiful; therefore, the husband has to take good care of her.

All speech took a long time to finish. Then it was those newlyweds’ turn to take picture with the mayor. We were growing impatient; therefore, we climbed upon the trees to have some fun. Not before long, the teachers came to tell us, “Got ready, we are going to take picture!” Wow, many people wanted to be in the picture. Click, then the photo was done.

After the hard time, the teachers bought us drinks. That’s great. Long waiting was finally rewarded.

On January 1, 2003, the clear sky, cool breeze and the mayor witnessed the wedding ceremony for 105 couples of newlyweds.

At 9 a.m., we came to Taichung Park for this ceremony- Fu Er Mor Sha Ecology Wedding ceremony. The park looked like an oasis in a city area. The Hu Xin Pavilion that stands upon Sun Moon Lake presented the old quiet and peaceful city in front of us. Beautiful bridals and handsome grooms all wore happy smiles.

We waited for a long time to take picture with the mayor. Everyone was in the position quickly. Then we completed the most important mission today.

This activity enhanced my understanding of this park and our friendship.

It was January 1, 2003. Another year is gone. Every year there are many people getting married. There was a hundred-people wedding ceremony in Taichung Park. I felt really exciting just by the grand sight. However, I needed to go to Taipei and couldn’t attend the activity. I felt disappointed. Afterwards, the teachers gave me the recorded tape to listen. I heard a lot. One thing is about the connotation of Fu Er Mor Sha.

I think such a united wedding ceremony is really special. Each couple received three souvenirs including a thermos bottle, an electronic rice cooker and dish dryer.

I didn’t personally witness the ceremony. However, I still could imagine the scene by listening to the tape. Next time I won’t let go such an opportunity to be on the spot!

Yesterday we headed to Taichung Park again. The topic this time is Fu Er Mor Sha Ecology Wedding Ceremony. People may not now the meaning of the name. “Fu” means that a husband needs to play dumb (fu-tu) when the wife uses credit card frequently. “Er” means the wife has many “ears” (er-mu); therefore, the husband had better behave properly. “Mor” means model. “Sha” means the head veil (tou- sha) that the bridal wears. The bridal marries to the groom when she is most beautiful; therefore, the husband has to take good care of her.

A number of 105 couples in total joined this ceremony. From now on, every new year day will be their wedding anniversary. They won’t forget it. Every couple also received three souvenirs including a thermos bottle, an electronic rice cooker and dish dryer. There are all useful items for a new family. Besides the new year, another honor is the city mayor, Mr Hu’s presiding. Those newlyweds must be very happy. The mayor also announced that during April or May, the city population will increase to 1 million. Our city may be upgraded as a bigger district.

When giving speech, the mayor even promised that the couple that first give birth to a baby could receive an education fund worth 10.000 NT. Since two weeks ago, the mayor had been concerned how the weather may be on the wedding day. The meteorology staff told him there would only be 20% rate in raining. However, the mayor was so concerned about the weather that he made another call to ask about the weather three days before the ceremony. Fortunately, yesterday was a sunny and bright day. The ceremony went well.

The mayor looked more handsome than he did on TV. It’s not very possible to meet the mayor at usual time, let along taking picture with him. Everyone gave a perfect pose with a perfect smile. After than, the teachers bought us drink, and put a perfect end for this activity.

At the first day of 2003, we followed the teachers to Taichung Park for Fu Er Mor Sha Ecology Wedding Ceremony. There were so many grooms and bridals. Everyone dressed decently and beautifully. Those newlyweds’ families and friends were also there for such an occasion. The park seemed more crowded than usual. The teachers told us there was 105 couples in total in this united wedding ceremony. The city mayor was the law-required presiding witness. They must be very happy to complete their wedding ceremony in front of so many witnesses.

The mayor announced that the first baby could get 10,000 NT. Each couple received three items as souvenirs including a thermos bottle, an electronic rice cooker and a dish dryer. After the ceremony end, those newlyweds were separated into groups to take picture with the mayor. We also waited to take this great opportunity to take picture with the mayor. Since the mayor had other appointment to catch, we couldn’t have more time with him for pictures.

I never saw so many couples having wedding ceremony together. This activity sponsored by the city government is really a good idea. With those newlyweds a long and happy marriage.

What should we do for the meaningful new year day? The teachers already planned the day of us. On this day, we were going to witness many couples union.

It was a clear day. When I arrived, I didn’t see the teachers. I only saw tow classmates being there as a “landmark” for the rest of us to see. We rushed to find the teachers. Finally we got Ms. Lu. She was taking picture of a stone stele. Jesus, there could be hundreds or thousands more spots to take pictures of. How could it be possible to finish all? We didn’t have much patience for the photographing; therefore, we came back to find the landmark. Well, how come Ms. Gu still didn’t show up? Hah, she was late. It’s the first time the teacher came late. After all member arrived, we moved to the ceremony place.

It seemed we were late because the ceremony had started. The presiding witness, the city mayor, was giving his speech. Mr. Hu explained the connotation of “Fu Er Mor Sha”. He said, “Fu” means that a husband needs to play dumb (fu-tu) when the wife uses credit card frequently. “Er” means the wife has many “ears” (er-mu); therefore, the husband had better behave properly. “Mor” means model. “Sha” means the head veil (tou- sha) that the bridal wears. The bridal marries to the groom when she is most beautiful.” Then guests took their turns giving the blessing speech. After the ceremony was done, those newlyweds exchanged kiss and came to take picture with the city mayor.

Before our turn, we waited for a really long period. Of course, we knew how to make good use of the waiting time. We climbed tress like what we did in our childhood. When our turn came, Lee Yu Cheng rushed to the mayor quicker than anyone else. After the group picture, we intended to have more individual picture with the mayor and asked him some questions. The mayor was too busy though; we had to give up the idea.

We witnessed many couples’ union by this chance and also had the opportunity to meet the mayor. Hope next time we can join other meaningful activity like this one.