1. The Greatest Event In Life A glimpse into the traditional Chinese wedding and a brief look at Hu Shih David A Smith

2. The Chinese Wedding Tradition The Proposal The Betrothal Preparing for the Wedding Day Day of the Wedding The Wedding

3. The Proposal The parents of the prospective bride and groom handled the negotiations. Initial gift giving The astrological expert The first meeting of families

4. The Betrothal Extensive bargaining and choosing the wedding date Betrothal gifts from the grooms family Tea, bridal cakes, poultry, wine and tobacco Tea was such a primary part of the gifts they were known as cha – li, tea presents, in some areas The significance of accepting the bridal gifts The dowry is sent to the grooms family The length of the betrothal

5. Preparing for the Wedding Day The brides retreat Installing the bridal bed The role of her close friends Help from a good luck man The true installation Hope for the future

6. Day of the Wedding The Hair Dressing Ritual The bridal costume The Capping Ritual The Brides Journey to the grooms house The arrival at the grooms house

7. The Wedding A simple ceremony Homage to the ancestors The newlyweds bedchamber Wedding banquets The day after the wedding Three days after the wedding

8. Hu Shih Well traveled and educated Mr. Zens poem and Dr. Hus revolution Embracing the modern Criticism of tradition: The Greatest Event in Life

9. What is your interpretation of the greatest event in life? What are some traditions or customs that have evolved or changed with time in your family? What are some things you can think of that define modern in contemporary American society?

10. Works Cited Chinese Wedding Traditions. Chinese Historical and Cultural Project. 2002. CHCP. 18 September 2004. Hu Shih. Explore Cornell. 2003. Cornell University. 18 September 2004 <http://www.explore.cornell.edu/scene.cfm?scene=Wason%20Collection&stop =WC%20%2D%20Bio%20Hu%20Shi>. Hu, Shih. Greatest Event in Life. Twentieth-century Chinese drama: an anthology. Ed. Edward M. Gunn. Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1983. 1-9.