The melodic beats of ‘kompangs’ ~ traditional hand drums, says it all! A Malay wedding is in progress. The newly weds are lead to the ‘pelamin’ ~ wedding dais, to receive their blessings, a process known as ‘menepung tawar’. Shredded flower petals and pandanus leaves, perfumed water and the blessings of family elders provide the recipe for a loving and lasting maritial journey.

The days prior to the official reception ~ ‘bersanding’, is a complicated yet immensely graceful display of human bonding. Beginning with ‘merisik’ and ‘bertunang’, the ties between both families are firmly planted. Parents of the soon-to-wed couple would meet and discuss various matters on the wedding and determine the right date. Gifts, knowns as ‘hantaran’ are exchanged ~ these gifts usually include a ring, perfume, fruits and other sweet offerings, signifying blissful years ahead.

‘Akad nikah’ reaffirms the couple as one. For the sake of formality, ‘mas kahwin’ is given ~ usually cash to the bride, a symbolic gesture for the bride to purchase gold and jewellery. This is usually followered by ‘bersanding’ which is formal reception. Intricately woven ‘Songket’ has always been the fabric of choice for weddings.

The traditional wedding dais is peppered with traditional decorations including bouquets of ‘bunga telur’, ‘bunga rampai’ and a traditional must, the ‘Tepak Sireh’, consisting of betel nuts, leaves and limestone paste. Collectively, these adornments symbolize harmony, longevity and abundance.

This final pre-wedding meet bears witness to even more exchange of gifts, collectively known as ‘Cha-li’ or tea presents ~ offerings of bridal cakes, sweetmeats, wine, tobacco or money. Essentially, by accepting the gifts, the girl’s family pledges her to the boy’s. A tea-pouring ceremony where the family elders are honoured, caps the evening.

Rich reds and rosy pinks are mandatory in traditional Chinese weddings. You’ll find them throughout wedding decorations, up to the attire worn by the bride and groom. Red signifies among other things, happiness, prosperity and abundance. Equally important is the ‘Double Happiness’ character, or ‘Hsi’.

Surprisingly enough, the actual wedding is a relatively uncomplicated affair. The most interesting though is the hair dressing ritual of the bride. The bride’s hair is combed by her mother, with each gentile stroke symbolizing longevity, prosperity, happiness and harmony. Though the customs and rituals are as varied as China is vast, one thing remains true; amidst the din of blasting fireworks and bursts of laughter drawing till late into the night, life has just taken a whole new meaning for tow souls in love.

Visitors to a traditional Indian wedding will be greeted by festoons of fresh mango leaves, ‘koolam’ ~ large floor pattern made of coloured rice grains to decorate the entrance of the wedding hall and bridal home, and mesmerizing beats of ‘Nadeswaram’ drums. Offerings of flowers, sandal batter and sugar candies are common gifts for guests at the wedding.

Upon days of prior agreements and processions between the families of the bride and groom, the couple is now ready to live life as one. Sitting pretty at the ‘mandapa’ ~ the wedding canopy, they’re treated to a string of ‘poojas’ (prayers) to ensure matrimonial happiness, harmony and peace, before the highlight of the vent ~ tying the knot. The knot is ‘ Mangal Sutra’ ~ wedding necklace of gold and onyx. Blessing by family, friends and the priest concludes the ceremony, amidst showers of flower petals and tumeric-coated rice grains. The red ‘tilaka’ marking on the bride’s forehead is more than just a just married symbol. It is a testament of pure devotion to the family and the generations to come.