A traditional wedding of the Co Tu ethnic minority group in Tay Giang district, Quang Nam province, was recently recreated at the Vietnamese Ethnic Groups Culture and Tourism Village in the Dong Mo tourism area of Son Tay town, Hanoi.

The wedding was among activities held at the village from August 19-23 to introduce capital’s residents the culture of the Co Tu people on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19) and National Day (September 2).

 

Documents and research have shown that weddings of the Co Tu group have many similarities with the Kinh people

 

 

 

 

The bride’s family heading to the groom’s house. In Co Tu custom, the bride’s parents prefer a man with good health, industriousness and wealth for their daughter.

 

 

 

 

According to elder Bh'riu Bhoo, engagement gifts from the groom’s family to the bride’s family to seek approval from the girl’s parents must include quadrupeds, such as buffalo, oxen, goats and pigs. In return, the bride’s family will give the groom’s family bipeds such as roosters and ducks

 

 

 

 

 

The bride’s family prepares a feast before escorting their daughter to the groom’s house

 

 

 

 

At the groom’s house, a buffalo is bound to a Neu pole, which is posted on the grounds of the house. Guests at the wedding dance together while playing gongs. The buffalo will be then butchered for the wedding feast and to present to the bride’s family.

 

 

 

 

The bride’s family arrives at the groom’s house

 

 

 

 

Before entering the house, family members must leave their weapons outside to show their sincere and peaceful intentions

 

 

 

 

 

Representatives of the groom’s family must include elders who have thorough knowledge and power of speech

 

 

 

 

Elder Bh'riu Bhoo prays for gods to bless the couple

 

 

 

 

Guests gather at the wedding

 

 

 

 

Happy smiles on the faces of the Co Tu couple on their wedding day

 

 

 

 

Making a toast to share with the groom

 

 

 

 

 

Dancing together and extending best greetings to the couple and their families

 

Nhan Dan