About to see the Co Tu wedding ceremony

*The Co Tu wedding ceremony is considered a ritual that recreates the traditional culture of the highland village community. Photo: DANG NGUYEN*

Long-standing residents in the Central provinces, including Quang Nam , the Co Tu wedding is considered one of the unique traditional cultural features, demonstrating a strong community relationship. Because the Co Tu believe that marriage is not only a bond between two individuals but also a connection between two families and the village community.

Therefore, the Co Tu wedding ceremony is often held very solemnly and has strong traditional ritual elements. The Co Tu have two common types of wedding ceremonies: the basic wedding ceremony (bhiec ep) and the wedding ceremony with buffalo stabbing (bhiec dal).

Before the bride's procession arrives, the groom's family representative usually prepares a tray of offerings at the village gate. This ritual often appears at weddings involving buffalo stabbing. Photo: DANG NGUYEN

Before the wedding, the groom's family visits the bride's family to ask for her hand in marriage, discuss the matter, and then choose an auspicious day to hold the wedding. The wedding ceremony usually takes place at the groom's house, attracting the participation of the two villages.

Offerings usually include products such as rice wine, pigs, chickens, brocade and traditional jewelry given by both families. Each offering has its own meaning, expressing the sincerity and respect between the two families.

*The bride's family wore traditional costumes to attend the wedding and celebrate with the village community. Photo: DANG NGUYEN*

On the wedding day, the sound of gongs and drums, the Tan Tung - Da Da dance combined with the colors of brocade create a jubilant, warm atmosphere of the highland community.

[ VIDEO ] - Traditional wedding ceremony of the Co Tu people:

Mr. Alang Be (in Bhlo Ben village, Song Kon commune, Dong Giang) said that the wedding ceremony of the Co Tu people is not only a personal event but also a festival of the whole community, a place to preserve and pass on traditional cultural values.

"Although many modern features are incorporated today, the community spirit and national cultural identity are still preserved and respected by the Co Tu people in every wedding ceremony," Mr. Be shared.