THE VIETNAMESE WEDDING CEREMONY TRADITIONAL
The Vietnamese Wedding Ceremony Tradition. The Vietnamese engagement ceremony is a crucial ritual that precedes the wedding ceremony. Traditionally, weddings were arranged by the groom's and bride's families, and children did not meet until the engagement day.
The Vietnamese Wedding Ceremony Traditional Information:
The ancient engagement ceremony was more important than the wedding since it was when both families formally verified their connection and publicly announced their approval and acceptance of their children's marriage. It often occurs at least a year before the wedding. Nowadays, it is conducted one day or one month before the wedding ceremony and has become less prominent or even obsolete in some areas.
The traditional Vietnamese wedding is one of the most significant rites in Vietnamese culture, influenced by Confucian and Buddhist beliefs. It is a big day for both the couple and their families. As a result, it typically contains several formal ceremonial observances.
1. Le An Hoi (Betrothal Ceremony)
Normally, the bride and groom or their parents visit the fortuneteller to choose the finest day and time for them. They firmly believe in this day and time, thus the groom's family and relatives must arrive on time. Some days before the wedding, they would pay a visit to the bride and her family with circular lacquered boxes known as betrothal gifts. Unmarried girls or guys carry these boxes, which include areca nuts and betel leaves, tea, cake, fruits, wines, and other luxuries, draped in scarlet fabric.
2. Le Cuoi (Wedding Ceremony):
On the wedding day, the groom's family and relatives arrive at the bride's residence with a large number of gifts wrapped in red paper. Similar to the engagement presents, they include betel leaves, areca nuts, wines, fruits, pastries, and tea. The people who handle these trays are likewise carefully selected; most are happily married couples.
Both genders are clothed in Ao Dai. Men might be in suits or wearing traditional Ao Dai. The troop is generally headed by the most rich and accomplished pair among the family, as a way of wishing the soon-to-be-wed spouses a blessed future together.
The groom's family would pause in front of the bride's home. The leading pair should enter the house first, carrying a tray of wine. They would ask the bride's parents to have a sip. By accepting the toast, the bride's family allows the groom's family to enter their home. To greet the groom's family, a firework is instantly ignited.
The groom's family would introduce themselves and request permission for their son to marry the bride. The master of ceremonies (typically a respected member of the bride's family) orders the bride's parents to introduce their daughter. The bride then accompanies her parents outside. She will wear a scarlet traditional wedding ao dai, followed by her bridemaids. The pair should pray at the altar, asking their ancestors for permission to marry, and then thanking both the groom's and bride's parents for raising and protecting them.
Then they bend their heads to one other, expressing appreciation and respect for their soon-to-be husband or wife. The master of ceremonies would give the bridal couple advise on beginning a new family. Their parents would take turns sharing their experiences and blessings. After exchanging wedding rings, the husband and bride receive presents from their parents, including golden bracelets, ear rings, and necklaces. The event is concluded with a round of applause.
Following the wedding ceremony, a celebration will be held at the groom's home. Some traditional Vietnamese wedding parties are held at people's homes (typically in the countryside), while others are held in restaurants. This day is the culmination of ambitions, daydreams, hopes, and fears. There is a band playing music as they eat. Some guests are welcome to sing wedding-related songs on stage to bring good luck to the bride and groom. In the midst of the party, the couple visits each table to exchange wishes, congratulations, and money.
Today, many Vietnamese couples have their wedding ceremonies in temples or churches, which are remarkably similar to American and Western traditions, including the exchange of vows and wedding rings. However, they still perform the Vietnamese traditional ritual at the bride's house before proceeding to temples or churches. Discover its history, appreciate its cuisine, and bask in the beauty of this great location, making your vacation an unforgettable experience.
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