Korean Wedding, New York, New York, 1983

Hyun Joo finds it difficult to manage a wedding ring, being put on her finger, when her hands are enveloped in the sleeves of her wedding dress.

Katrina Thomas's notes: Koreans emigrated to Hawaii first in 1903. Most came to the U.S. after 1965. Although Korean society is built on a complex of Confucian and Buddhist precepts, those here are largely Christian, but respect Confucian rules, which emphasize fealty to family and the authority of an elder or one of higher rank. Weddings are marked by much ceremonial bowing. A unique ceremony at the end, known as p'yebaek, officially accepts the bride into the bridegroom's family. Whereas formerly it was accomplished after the arrival of the newlyweds at the home of the bridegroom's parents, their conjugal home, today it is performed at the reception.