The word for nine in Chinese sounds exactly like the word
for longevity, so there was method in the decision by Taipei city authorities
to organize the nine-nine-nine-nine-nine-nine nuptials when they did.
Taipei Mayor Hau Long-bin, naturally dressed to the nines, was
all smiles during the event, going the whole nine yards to make everyone feel
the true weight of the occasion.
“I congratulate all the couples,” he said.
Groom Ryan Chen said participating in the ceremony to tie
the knot with bride Chang Ya-chi was a no-brainer.
“I was born on Sept. 9, and my wife was born on the same
date in the lunar calendar,” he said. “So by picking this date we hope our
marriage will last forever.” As the clock struck the magic hour, couples placed
rings on each other’s fingers and kissed demurely, their eyes glazing over with
— what else — cloud nine expressions.
