Go and watch 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 residing in the central provinces, including Quang Nam , the Co Tu people's wedding ceremony is considered one of their unique traditional cultural features, reflecting strong community bonds. The Co Tu believe that marriage is not only a bond between two individuals but also a connection between two clans and the village community.

Therefore, the wedding ceremony of the Co Tu people is usually very solemn and deeply rooted in traditional rituals. The Co Tu people commonly have two types of wedding ceremonies: the basic wedding ceremony (bhiệc êp) and the wedding ceremony involving buffalo sacrifice (bhiệc dal).

Before the bride's procession arrives, representatives from the groom's family usually prepare a ceremonial offering at the village gate. This ritual is often seen at weddings involving buffalo sacrifice. Photo: DANG NGUYEN

Before the wedding, the groom's family visits the bride's family to formally propose and discuss the marriage, then choose an auspicious date for the ceremony. The wedding usually takes place at the groom's house, attracting the participation of the communities from both villages.

The offerings typically include local products such as rice wine, pigs, chickens, brocade fabrics, and traditional jewelry, which are exchanged between the two families. Each offering carries its own meaning, expressing reverence and respect between the two families.

*The bride's family, dressed in traditional attire, attended the wedding and shared in the joy with the village community. Photo: DANG NGUYEN*

On the wedding day, the sound of gongs and drums resounds, the Tan Tung - Da Da dance blends with the colorful brocade fabrics, creating a vibrant and warm atmosphere of the highland community.

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

Mr. Alang Be (from Bhlo Ben village, Song Kon commune, Dong Giang district) said that the wedding ceremony of the Co Tu people is not only a personal event but also a festival for the whole community, where traditional cultural values are preserved and passed on.

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