LOVE IS IN THE AIR: Among the couples at the Hokkien clan association's mass ceremony last night were Mr John Wyrth (third from left). 63, a retired civil servant, and his wife Tina, 61, who renewed their vows on Yuan Xiao Jie last night, the Chinese Valentine's Day, in front of about 1,000 guests. -- ST PHOTO: DESMOND WEE

THEY wanted a wedding that was unique, on a day that is easy to remember.

So last night under a full moon on Yuan Xiao Jie, the Chinese Valentine's Day, 39 couples said 'I do' at the Hokkien Huay Kuan in Chinatown.

It was the clan association's first mass wedding in almost 50 years and an attempt to rekindle interest in the popular practice of days gone by.

Among the newlyweds were Mr Soh Kay Liang and Ms Low Kah Wai.

'I can declare my love for my wife in public. Also it's Yuan Xiao, so it's more meaningful,' said Mr Soh, 29, a sales representative.

A stretch of Telok Ayer Street outside the clan association and the Thian Hock Keng temple was turned into a sea of red lanterns for the weddings.

At 7.45pm, Ms Low, a 31-year-old owner of a human resource business, stepped out of a trishaw in front of the temple. She was joined by 38 brides, many of whom were renewing their vows. The lovebirds included Madam Yeo Gim Tee, one of the oldest at age 75.

They were greeted by their other halves, some balding and wrinkled, but all smartly attired in jackets and ties.

The couples walked onto a stage to say their vows in front of 1,000 guests, including Mrs Yu-Foo Yee Shoon, Minister of State for Community Development, Youth and Sports.

It marked the first time in a half-century that the clan association has organised a mass wedding ceremony.

It held 17 from 1956 to 1960. These stopped when couples were required to register their union with the state.

Couples taking part yesterday were not only Hokkiens, but also included Hainanese and Teochews.

Returning to refresh their vows were Mr Soon Thian Bin, 75, and wife Tan Choo Sun, 69.

They tied the knot at the Huay Kuan in 1959 with 16 other couples.

'At that time, we were very young and didn't have many relatives and friends. So it was more lively to have the wedding at the Huay Kuan,' said Madam Tan.

hoaili@sph.com.sg