The event is often marked with sadness, as marriage for the bride traditionally represented her severing ties from her family and especially her own mother, and it is a common practice for mothers to style their daughter's hair up until the daughter's wedding. The ceremony was mainly used to announce that the arrangement is confirmed and the wedding shall happen; usually the bride and groom will have no final say in the matter, but some are consulted based on many factors such as interests and horoscopes. Once the gifts are unwrapped and approved by the future bride's family, the future bride herself is then brought out. It’s no accident that Vietnam’s rich folk culture contains so many songs and proverbs praising love and marriage.
Vietnamese sayings of good fortune and a happy marriage for the couple are seen in many wedding decorations. The money specifically given at weddings is referred to as "money warding off evil spirits" and is believed to protect the person of younger generations from sickness and death. (Vietnamese Proverb) Don't trouble trouble until trouble troubles you.
At one time, Vietnamese people strictly followed customs and rules – even if outdated. The lacquer boxes are handed from the groomsmen to the bridesmaids who then place them on a table. Depending on the couple's preferences, the bridesmaid and groomsmen may also wear their own khăn đóng, though a much more simpler one. The groom's mother will then put each piece on the bride for good fortune. The fashion trend of the Nguyễn Dynasty has remained popular and is still used today by Vietnamese individuals both in and outside of Vietnam, with some couples altering the design slightly to modernize or suit their taste; the silhouette of the traditional gown still remains the same. The only difference may lie in the ancestor worship at each newlywed's house; because Catholicism does not condone such worship, this ceremony is often omitted or replaced with worshipping the Christian God or venerating Mary instead. Each parent will then give advice about marriage and family to the couple. Once the group is accepted into the home, the gifts are received by the same number of younger unmarried women from the future bride's side.
This now obsolete ceremony was used in the past to confirm—last minute—that the marriage would still take place; due to often forced arranged marriages, some brides may flee from home into the country in protest against the marriage, so this ceremony was more so used to confirm that the wedding would proceed and the bride has not run away. Vietnamese Proverb . The number of people participating in the groom's procession varies but is usually restricted to a smaller number (20 or so). Refreshments prepared by the future bride's side are made ready to be served to the other family members. Decorations in the ceremony, from the clothing to the gifts received usually will include lanterns, doves, initials of the couple, among other things.
Traditionally, the groom and his entourage are not allowed in until the bride's family believe they are ready to do so, and bad luck may fall on the young couple if the groom does not wait until the approval. Finally, the bride is brought to the couple's room and shown their marriage bed. It’s no accident that Vietnam’s rich folk culture contains so many songs and proverbs praising love and marriage. Sayings of Vietnamese origin. Most current-day Vietnamese weddings—both in Vietnam and overseas—incorporate both Western and Vietnamese traditions. Catch the bear before you sell his skin. An engagement ceremony, called the Đám Hỏi, usually occurs half a year or so before the wedding. Following the ceremony at the groom's house, all of the bride and groom's family and friends are invited to a reception that traditionally takes place at the groom's house. The bride's belongings and the rest of the entourage will follow behind. (Photo: Internet), Both Dr. Duong and Nhu agreed that the outdated idea which values men more than women is still manifested today and needed to be changed. These members will help with the preparation for the wedding and serve as witnesses to the ceremony.