Wedding in Vietnam is quite different compared to other countries. Like in China, Vietnam wedding are also particular in rituals and traditions and they implement religiously since they believe that following these customs will provide a greater chance for the couple to last longer and happier.
Vietnam is known for match matching their young adults before especially with people aged 30-35. This is considered the prime age to get married and if a woman and male goes past this age, there’s a lower chance for them to get married that’s why both the families will go to the length to find prospective partners for their son or daughter to marry. If the parent find the partner of their child unsuitable or sees that they cannot provide for their child – they will insist on breaking of the union. And most couple does this regardless their feelings and intention of marrying on another, though this usually does not happen every time. Another method is by consulting astrologer, if the astrologer doesn’t see the couple lasting longer than they should, they are advised to severe the relationship.
If a male sees a prospect in a lady that he wish to marry, he and his family will visit the girl’s family and asks her hand in marriage together with asking what dowry or payment for asking the girls hand in marriage would be. Usually these are in forms of gifts but often the parents of the bride to be asked for money as a way to compensate for the wedding costs.
The engagement usually performs a ritual for the young couple. There are certain days that are believed to be lucky for engagements which are why the date and day is also important and are often consulted with astrologers for guidance. The grooms and his family will then travel to the bride’s house bearing gifts. In the event that the family of the bride breaks off the wedding – the gifts are then returned to the groom’s family. If the bride breaks the wedding prior to the wedding date, the gifts are kept. The bride will wear a formal outfit that is suited for a ritual to be done in the ancestral altar as a sign of respect to both the groom’s family and her elders.
Gifts from the groom’s side will then be presented to the bride. The gifts are given by a party of men from the groom’s side which is wrapped in red or gold canister bearing gifts and the woman counterpart from the bride will then provide money as a way of “payment” for the gifts to the other party. Unable to provide money is believed to be bad luck. The groom will then bring a tray containing wine to be offered to the bride’s parents, if the bride’s parents accept the wine – it’s a way of saying that they accept the groom and his party to enter the house and to marry their child.
The wedding ceremony itself is very symbolic and also has many rituals. First the couple kneels and prays to both their ancestors for permission and guidance for their marriage. Then the couple bows to both their parents as a sign of respect and a form of thank you. Then the couple bows to each other symbolizing respect and gratitude. The couple will then exchange wedding rings and their parents will provide gifts to both bride and groom.
Similar to Chinese, Vietnamese couples are particular to the color red since it symbolizes luck and prosperity. Brides don’t usually wear cheap wedding dresses 2012 but uses a particular robe that the family has chosen for them. Every aspect and element of a Vietnamese wedding as a symbolic significance to it which is why the couple are very particular in following these rituals and traditions in order to have a lucky marriage and prosperous life together in the future.
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