Depending on habits of specific ethnic groups, marriage includes various steps and related procedures, but in general, there are two main ceremonies: ![]() Normally,both bride and groom or their parents go to the fortuneteller to seewhat date and time is best for them. They strongly believe in this dateand time so the groom's family and relatives must come on time. Somedays before the wedding, they will visit the bride and her family withround lacquered boxes known as betrothal presents. It composes of arecanuts and betel leaves, tea, cake, fruits, wines and other delicacieswhich covered with red cloth and carried by unmarried girls or boys. Le cuoi (wedding ceremony): Onthe wedding day, the groom's family and relatives go to the bride'shouse bringing a lot of gifts wrapped in red papers. These gifts aresimilar to those of the engagement: betel leaves and areca nuts, wines,fruits, cakes, tea ... The persons hold these trays are also carefullychosen, usually they are happily married couples. Ladies and women areall dressed in Ago Dai. Men could be in their suits or men traditional Ao Dai.The troop is usually led by a couple that is most wealthy andsuccessful among the relatives, this means to wish the to-be-wedcouples a blessing life together in the future. The groom'sfamily would stop in front of the bride's house. The leading coupleshould enter the house first with a tray with wine. They would invitethe bride's parents to take a sip. By accepting the toast, the bride'sfamily agrees for the groom’s family to enter their house. The fireworkis immediately fired to greet the groom's family.
![]() Then,they bow their head to each other to show their gratitude and respecttoward their soon-to-be husband or wife. The master of the ceremonywould gave the wedding couple advices on starting a new family. Theirparents would take turn to share their experience and give blessing.After that, the groom and the bride exchange their wedding rings andreceive the gifts from their parents such as golden bracelets, earrings, necklace... The ceremony is ended with a round applause. Afterthe wedding ceremony is over, there will be a party at the groom'shouse. Some traditional Vietnamese wedding party is celebrated at theirhouses (usually in country-side); other is celebrated in therestaurant. This day is the culmination of desires, day dreams, hopesand anxieties. There is a band to play music during their meal. Someguests are free to sing related wedding songs on the stage to luck thebride and the groom. In the middle of the party, the couple goes toeach table to get wishes, congratulations as well as money. Today,a lot of Vietnamese couples have their wedding ceremony done in Templesor Churches which is very much similar to American and Western style,including exchanging vows and wedding rings. However, they stillmaintain Vietnamese traditional ceremony in the bride's home beforeheading to temples or churches.
|




