The bride-welcoming ceremony of the Giay ethnic people

The Giay ethnic people, also known as the Nhang, Dang, Pu Na, Cui Chu, and Xa ethnic people, have a population of about 25,000 living in most of districts of Lai Chau province.

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Due to their long history of development, the Giay ethnic people have a rich and diverse culture.

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One of their unique and special cultural traditions is the bride-welcoming ceremony as part of the wedding.

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The wedding normally takes place at the end of the year, after the rice harvest.

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Before the bride-welcoming ceremony, the Giay ethnic couple must go through a number of customary rituals such as engagement and bargaining.

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Going to the bride’s house are two matchmakers, the bridegroom, the groomsman, and a group of people carrying the offerings.

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The offerings include a can of white wine, two boxes of cakes and two baskets of chickens.

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Along the way, the ceremonial music team play the trumpet until they reach the bride’s house.

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Playing the pipe is also to attract villagers to join the delegation of the bridegroom.

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The two matchmakers play an important role in the wedding ceremony of the Giay ethnic people.

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The gate of the bride’s house is tied horizontally with a red string, and one of the matchmakers performs the ritual, asking for the permission from the bride’s relatives to open the gate.

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Then representatives of the bride’s family splash water over the bridegroom’s family members, a customary ritual they believe to wash away dust and bad luck.

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The representatives of the bride’s family challenge the matchmakers with cups of wine to pray for good luck and connect the two families.

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By performing songs and playing the trumpet, the bridegroom’s family persuade the bride’s family to remove the red string and welcome them into the house.