Are you planning a Burmese wedding and want to make sure that all the traditional customs are observed? Look no further. We’ve compiled a list of burmese wedding traditions, from traditional attire to post-wedding celebrations. Whether it’s pre-ceremony rituals or what kind of dress is expected for your special day, we have all the information here so you can ensure your big day goes off without any hiccups. So come explore with us and learn about these unique burmese wedding traditions.
Burmese Wedding Traditions
Traditional Burmese Wedding Attire
Traditional Burmese wedding attire is typically colorful and ornate. The bride wears a longyi, which is similar to a sarong, along with a blouse. Longyis come in various colors and patterns, so the bride can choose something that reflects her personality or matches the theme of the wedding. The groom usually wears a longyi as well, paired with an embroidered jacket called an angi. This outfit also comes in many different styles and colors depending on personal preference or the wedding’s color scheme.
For guests attending the ceremony, traditional clothing is expected. Women may wear either a htamein (a type of skirt) or a lahpet thote (an ankle-length dress). Men often opt for either trousers or shorts made from silk material known as shinn thaung baung gyo accompanied by short jackets called taikpon myatthayar. Both genders may also accessorize their outfits with jewelry such as necklaces and earrings to complete their look for this special occasion.
From traditional Burmese wedding attire to pre-wedding rituals, the bride and groom embark on a journey of love and commitment that will last forever.
Pre-Wedding Rituals
Pre-wedding rituals in Burmese culture are an important part of the wedding process. Engagement Ceremony is a formal event where both families come together to exchange gifts and blessings for the couple’s future. During this ceremony, family members will present gifts such as jewelry or money to symbolize their commitment to each other. Dowry Negotiations involve discussing what items will be given by each family on the wedding day, such as furniture, appliances, or clothing. The dowry is usually negotiated between the two families prior to the wedding day and can vary greatly depending on cultural customs and traditions.
The Blessing Ceremony is held before the actual wedding day and involves prayers for good luck and prosperity for the couple’s future together. This ritual typically includes offerings of food, incense sticks, flowers, fruits, candles etc., which are placed around a shrine dedicated to Buddha or other deities that represent long life and happiness for all involved in the marriage union. The bride’s parents may also give her some traditional jewelry pieces during this ceremony as a sign of their blessing over her new life with her husband-to-be.
These pre-wedding rituals are integral parts of Burmese weddings that bring joyous celebration among friends and family alike while honoring ancient traditions passed down through generations. It is believed that these ceremonies provide couples with protection from bad luck so they can start off their married lives on a positive note.
Pre-wedding rituals are an integral part of Burmese wedding traditions, and serve to symbolize the commitment between the couple and their families. As we move on to Wedding Day Celebrations, let us take a look at some of the traditional customs that are observed during this joyous occasion.
Wedding Day Celebrations
On the wedding day, there is usually a procession from the bride’s home to the venue where the wedding will take place. This is often accompanied by music and dancing, with family members and friends of both sides joining in on the fun. The groom may also arrive at this time, either on horseback or in a decorated car.
The exchange of vows and rings between the couple marks an important moment during any wedding ceremony. Couples typically recite traditional vows that are meaningful to them as well as exchange rings which symbolize their commitment to each other. Blessings from family members or religious figures may also be included during this part of the ceremony.
Afterwards comes one of everyone’s favorite parts:
reception and feasting. Guests enjoy delicious food while celebrating with music, dancing, games, and more depending on cultural traditions or personal preferences. Some couples even opt for special entertainment such as live bands or magicians to add extra excitement to their big day.
The wedding day celebrations are filled with joy and emotion, as the couple is showered with blessings and love from their families. Now, it’s time to move on to post-wedding traditions that will honor the newlyweds in a special way.
Post Wedding Traditions
Post wedding traditions are an important part of Burmese culture. After the wedding day celebrations have ended, there are several post-wedding traditions that are observed in Burmese culture.
Honeymoon Celebration:
A honeymoon celebration is a way to send off newlyweds with blessings from family members or religious figures. This is usually done with a small gathering at the home of either the bride or groom’s family where they exchange gifts and give their best wishes for a happy marriage ahead.
Gift Giving and Acknowledgements:
Gift giving between families or friends of both sides of newlyweds is also an important part of this tradition as it serves as an acknowledgement of their union. Gifts can range from traditional items such as jewelry, clothing, food items to modern ones like appliances and gadgets depending on what each side chooses to offer.
The final post-wedding tradition involves welcoming back the newlywed couple into their home after they return from their honeymoon trip. Decorations at home along with feasting for guests who come to congratulate them on their marriage marks this occasion which often lasts up until dawn before concluding with more blessings for the couple’s future togetherness and happiness in life ahead.
Conclusion
Burmese wedding traditions are a unique and beautiful way to celebrate the union of two people. From traditional attire, pre-wedding rituals, wedding day celebrations, and post-wedding traditions, there is something for everyone to enjoy when it comes to Burmese weddings. Whether you’re looking for an intimate gathering or a grand affair, these Burmese wedding traditions will make your special day even more memorable. So if you’re planning a Burmese wedding soon, don’t forget to include some of these amazing burmese wedding traditions in your celebration.
