| ‘Raja Sehari’ of king for a
day, perhaps the best describes the feeling
of the groom on the big day.
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.
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