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Along with hantaran, the groom will often send the wedding
ring to his bride. He may also include a portion of the bride
price, but this is usually sent at another time which is arranged
by the syarak. The syarak will also deliver the bride price,
and both families at this time will convey good wishes.
Wedding celebration
Guests are informed of the wedding through either through
invitations or, more commonly, through word of mouth
passed on by close relatives of the couple. It is not
an exclusive affair, however, as most people in the
village will attend. In fact, many people in the village
will assist with preparations, which begin a few days
before the ceremony.
The bride will take her place on a dais, where she
will sit in state (besangin) before the ceremony begins.
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The
ceremony is called berinai besar. The groom wears his formal
wedding attire and makes his way to the house of the bride’s
family, accompanied by other men who play musical instruments.
He begins the berinai ceremony, which is the staining of the
bride’s hands with elaborate henna decorations. After
he has done a bit, he takes his place beside his bride, while
others finish the procedure. The couple are then sprinkled
with yellow rice and scented water as a blessing. Guests typically
receive gifts that symbolize fertility, such as eggs and flowers,
or artificial representations. Guests may also “feed”
the couple by placing a portion of rice into their hands).
The imam then performs the marriage readings and blessings,
and formalizes the matters of payment and gifts. The bride
price is made, and the couple is announced as husband and
wife.
As in many Muslim countries, the gifts of the guests are
given to the bride, and are considered hers alone. These are
brought forward to where the couple is sitting by the bride’s
syarak.
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