SIAMESE TRADITIONAL WEDDING

Malaysia is an unique country. All the Malaysian can live together even though they are in different culture, race,ethnic and religion. For examples, Bidayuh, Iban, Malay, Chinese, Indian and more. But, do you know? Siamese is also one of the ethnic in Malaysia.

Siamese is one minority ethnic in Malaysia. Almost all Siamese live in the north of Malaysia such as Kedah, Perlis, Kelantan and Terengganu.Their lifestyle and culture does not have many differences with the Siamese in Thailand. Almost all the Siamese religions is Buddha, but have some of them is Christian.

All Siamese that live in Malaysia habitually marry same like other race. Their wedding custom also same with other society such as proposal, engaged and marriage. Siamese’s wedding custom started with investigate ceremony. Normally, the young man side will inform his wish to his parents first. Then, his parents and other family members will visit to the girl’s house for proposal the girl.

THE DAY OF PROPOSAL AND ENGAGEMENT

During the day of proposal, the groom side will bring the present such as arrangement of betel leaves and a ring. All the engagement will be held. The young man sheathe the ring for the girl. Then, the money and the date of marry will be decide. For the ancient time, the date of the wedding usually is decide after the harvest time. Normally, it is decide by 'tok moh'.

THE WEDDING DAY

On the morning of the wedding,a group of people from the groom's side,including the groom,will form from the bride's house. At the front of the group are two peoples holding sugar cane plants which will later be planted nearby. The Khan Mahk (betel leaves), special candle tray and the food is adorned with flags to symbolize a special occasion.
The bride's family won't accept a groom unless he brings these special foods--money and jewelery is important too but the right food is just as important! As the group move to the bride's house,they will announce arrival of the groom's party. A loud song call klongjao is blares from the bride's house. This is a way to announce to all of the neighbours that a man will come to marry their daughter.

khanom kareaw, khan mark

met khanoon, khanom Tuay Foo

Pla Ngun, Foy Thong

khao Neeo Dang, Thong Yod, Khanom Chan

When the groom arrives along with his group, an elder from the group will announce that she is there to represent the groom's side. A playful exchange occurs at this point, as the bride's family stops the group with solid gold chains. As tradition says, the more gold chains, the more the groom has to pay to get inside. when a settlement is finally reached, money is given to the person holding the chain. Then, the chain are leaves and the groom is go inside by his elder representative. The group are waiting outside while the bride meet the groom inside her house.

Inside the bride's house, the khan mahk is open. The groom brings sid sod (money) along with tong mun (jewelery and some gold). As a form of tradition,this all is count by the bride's representative.Parents from each side then sprinkle the seeds over the money while saying a blessing for the couple.

In the afternoon, the main event of the traditional wedding will be followed. It is called ROD-NAM-SANG ( ROD is soak, NAM is water and SANG is conch shell). The both bride and the bridegroom's family will get together in this event. Both of the bride and the bridegroom will sit together or at a small stage with their hand held in wai style ( praying to the Lord Buddha style). A flower chain connects the hands. The leader who is the most senior person will start to soak the couple's hands in water and wish them good luck. The water is contain in the conch shell container. Then, the parents and other peoples will do the same action. Usually, just selected person like close friends and relatives will invite to the ROD-NAM-SANG event.

After the ROD-NAM-SANG event, everyone is treated to a meal provided by the bride's family. During lunch, usually the groom will be dared to do something such as give his wife a kiss or lift his wife up to get the money held from a window or ledge. As tradition says the success of their marriage is related to how well they can play the game. After lunch at the bride's house, the bridegroom will take a rest and put on nice formal clothes. The wedding party will continue that evening. At the end of the wedding party, the groom will bring the bride to the groom's side.

SUMMARY

Siamese traditional wedding usually include only relatives and close friends of the couple.It is a ritual for the bride and groom to sit together on the floor with wai style. The couple's hands are also linked by a chain of flowers. The oldest relative leads the ROD-NAM-SANG event and to wish the couple luck. Their parents and other will do the same.

In rural areas, an elderly couple may arrange the bridal bed for the newlyweds and leave good luck tokens such as rice, sesame seeds and coins. This wedding custom symbolizes good luck and fertility.