Chinese Wedding Culture

• The pig roast plays an integral part in the traditional Chinese wedding. The roasted pig represents the bride's chastity and is often referred to as a chastity pig. According to ancient Chinese practice, the groom's family sends a complete roasted pig to the bride's family if the groom is satisfied his bride is a virgin. If he is dissatisfied, the ears and tail broken off are broken off the pig. Many Chinese families continue the tradition of sending a whole roasted pig to the bride's family, but omit the tradition of removing the ears or tail. The roasted pig is enjoyed by friends and relatives.

Filipino Roasted Pig Traditions

• In the Philippines, roasted pig is referred to as "lechon" and is served to mark special events such as 25th and 50th anniversaries and 50th birthdays. It also marks the celebration of both Christmas and New Year's, where the pig is placed in the center of the table. Filipinos hold a parade of roasted pigs called Parada ng Lechon on June 24 as a special festival to honor John the Baptist. On the night before the festival, at least 50 roasted pigs are brought to mass at the Immaculate Conception Church. The pigs are blessed during mass. They are then dressed in clothing to reflect the occupation or pastime of the owners and paraded through town the following day. At the conclusion of the parade, the community enjoys the succulent meat in a community festival.

Hawaiian Pig Roasts

• Roasted pig, or kalua pua'a, is the focal point of the traditional Hawaiian luau. Unlike Americans who roast pig on a spit, Hawaiians use a special process to roast the pig in a pit. The underground oven, called an imu, steams the whole pig after it has been seasoned with sea salt and green onions. It is part of traditional Hawaiian celebrations which include feasting, dancing and merrymaking.

U.K. Roasted Pig

• Citizens of the U.K. frequently serve up roasted hog at outdoor show events. These massive hogs of 200 pounds or more are roasted on a spit in an oven. Favorite seasonings include bay leaves, cider and salt. Although roasted hog does not symbolize any specific holiday or event in the U.K., it does mark a day of community feasting on succulent roast pork.