About me
My name is Victoria Dong, and I am a U2 Honors student majoring in East Asian Studies with a minor in Drama and Theatre. My research focuses on media and culture in China and Korea, which led me to explore traditional Chaoshan weddings. I’m particularly interested in how the representation of traditional wedding practices reflects local nostalgia and pride in the past, and how women navigate their roles within a cultural framework that both idealizes and restricts them.
As a Chinese international student who grew up in China but now studies in Canada, I approach my own culture with a complicated, dual perspective. Although I’m a native, much of my understanding of cultural traditions—like weddings and rituals—has been shaped by online discourse rather than lived experience. On social media, we often encounter only emotion, bias, and subjectivity. I wanted to move beyond that, to listen to local voices and build my research on ethnographic insights. I aimed to immerse myself in Chaoshan culture and write about traditional weddings from an honest, academic, and feminist perspective. Acknowledging my positionality as both insider and outsider, I adopted an autoethnographic method to highlight my dual role as both researcher and participant.
Did I fulfill my goals?
Absolutely. Over month of May, I engaged in numerous wedding-related activities and had meaningful conversations with local residents. These experiences not only deepened my understanding of Chaoshan culture but also helped me form strong connections with the local students, some of us have become lifelong friends. Through these interactions, many of my assumptions evolved.
Highlights
There are too many highlights to name. As a research student, I received valuable guidance from both my supervisors and tutors. I’m especially grateful to my STU supervisor for her insights into conducting wedding-focused research. She connected me with a student who had done similar work, and through them I was introduced to a local wedding store and several social media accounts dedicated to wedding knowledge. At the wedding store, I had an in-depth conversation with the owner and learned about the store's history and the nuanced roles people play in wedding ceremonies. The program struck a perfect balance between independence and support. I had the freedom to choose my field sites and schedule, while the tutors were always ready to help, including providing translation support when needed.
Outside of research, we immersed ourselves in Chaoshan cultural life. We took a paper cutting class with a local expert and explored intricate folk art. I proudly made two pieces and was praised for my speed and talent. We also traveled to Chaozhou, Meizhou, and Xiamen. In Chaozhou, we saw a live street performance of the Yingge dance; in Meizhou, we hiked and discovered the grand resort near our villa; and in Xiamen, we toured the island at 11 p.m. though we never did find the perfect bar. Every day felt like a new highlight.
Challenges
My biggest challenge was time management. Unlike the language students who had a fixed daily schedule, I needed to independently plan my fieldwork. At first, this felt overwhelming. But once I started collecting cultural background information, the process became smoother and more enjoyable.
Feedback
As 2025 is the final year of this program, I feel incredibly fortunate to have participated. Everyone involved worked so hard to make our experience memorable. Léa took care of us in every way—you're not only a teacher, but also a sister to us. Professor Wang 王老师always shared his wisdom with calm and warmth. Our tutors supported us wholeheartedly, both in research and in play. I’m grateful to each of you. I’ll carry this unforgettable May with me always, and I will surely come back.