The government in southwest China's Sichuan Province is conducting a worldwide research for 99 Chinese newlywed couples who participated in the relief efforts at the Wenchuan earthquake two years ago and who also helped carry out post-disaster reconstruction work. A group wedding will be held as a celebration and commemoration to the reconstruction of the quake-hit areas, China News Service reported Friday.

The wedding ceremony will be held in Shifang, which was one of the most severely damaged cities following the 2008 Sichuan earthquake where the death toll reached 5,924. The village is famous for a 50-meter red bean tree, which has been considered a token of love by the Chinese since ancient times.

A former soldier named Zhao Yanwen has helped with the earthquake relief efforts. He and his girlfriend Feng Xiaoli decided to move their wedding date in order to participate in the group wedding. Feng Xiaoli is full of expectations regarding the wedding ceremony.

"I grew up there. The red bean symbolizes true love. I believe our life will become more and more prosperous if we are married under the red bean tree," she said

According to the organizers, the 99 couples will follow local wedding customs during the two-day group wedding. They will also watch fireworks and visit quake relics. The newlyweds, as long as one or both has served in the relief efforts, or donated to the quake-stricken areas, can participate in the wedding ceremony. Also, those who will have their tenth or twentieth wedding anniversary are welcome to join in the festivities.

The wedding ceremony will take place on September 22nd, which is also Mid-autumn Day of the annual Moon Festival.

(CRIENGLISH.com September 4, 2010)