I just went to JB; M'sia, for my big brothers wedding and it was spectacular. I was pretty much exposed to my cultures which I have long disposed. I have been to such things but this feels like new to me for I havent been to a proper wedding since I cant even remember.
Befor the actual day, my grandmother consulted a medium or medicine-man, which is of our own race, then, he did a simple calculation of wat time the groom is sopposed to leave the house to go to the brides house & on which direction, are the couple supposed to seek blessings from the parents & inlaws.
Also during, the wedding, 'batu-lesung' or a mortar is supposed to be put in boiling water (this means that, the gas must be put on forever) , this is to prevent rain from pouring & an old traditional lamp is to be lighted and put in the back corner of the house until the whole occasion ends, this is so that there wont be mosquitoes( this I will explain later)
There are 5 tents, the first is put up for the 'pelamin' or throne, where the bride & groom will sit. the rest(4) of the tent is set for the guest to eat. beside one of the tent, there is a small tent, that is used for cooking etc. Now, boyanese (or any malay culture) loves the spirit of togetherness, so 4 days or before the wedding, close relatives & friends will come together to help up in the cooking, gift wrapping etc, this is where the lamp is set to place, because they will be gathering till late at night & will be sleeping there, the lamp is suppose to prevent mosquitoes from chasing them away. Hahas...
On the day, My bro & sis-in-law, came to the village accompanied by the sound of compangs (ppl beating the trad. drum to call upon the arrival of someone impt). They walked all the way to the fron of the tent where they will be seated on chairs. Silat masters (which is of course of our own family) will then show off or display their skills to the couple & gatherers, this is to show that no matter what, the family or relatives is always supportive of their decision.
Then they will be ushered to the throne. There, they will be blessed by families & friends & will have a photo session. Followed by the cutting of the cake & 'makan-berdamai' or harmony-eating. This is where the parents of the groom will sit beside the bride & like wise the other. They will eat together, a symbolism of peace & harmony between two families.
After much stuff, the couple will leave the place... Hahas, no honeymoon yet, my bro & sis, went to the lake & took photos & after which, they will change their costumes & greet other members....
It was really fun because I get to order around because im the grooms lil-bro...Hahas & i get to be my own camera-man where the photos will be send to Indon for relatives there to see & I get to lost my voice for shouting alot... Hahas ....ok done...
Yan danced till dawn at 6:18 AM
