Wedding in Java

The action takes place at nine o'clock in Sukabumi on the eastern edge of the Indonesian island of Java. "Let's go to another room, this will be praying men - says Tia, and we are moving noisily into the kitchen, where all the chairs and the entire floor around them are women of the family. Tomorrow is their son (brother, nephew, uncle, grandson) marries his childhood friend.
After the prayer, everyone gathers in the main room, namely the hall, on the floor and starts feasting: bananas in batter on palm leaves, soy pace and packages Teh Botol - cold strong brewed sweet tea, which is buying, certainly need to pour into a plastic bag and leave glass bottle in the store. After a heart to heart talk all odds.



At eight o'clock the guests had crowded around the gates of the house of the bride.
"Everyone has been long known that they were married. Even when the kids were all he prophesied a future "- says Tia, cousin of the groom. Only she says in English. Others are limited to a greeting, although individuals can see that they want to inquire about many things.



At the head of the procession - the groom's arm with her parents. They hold fast to it, from the strain and heat waves is likely that the young man would fall. Groom obviously very nervous. He '24.



After some time there buffoon Penhulu (Penghulu). He leads the whole ceremony, looks like an old man's voice and the corresponding motion. This actor with an incredible ability to reincarnation.



All women and girls are dressed in Cabaye (from the Arabic «kaba» - clothes) - a long embroidered dress - and beautifully knotted handkerchief, so that one can see only a powdered face and bright lipstick. Even the youngest guests to do bright makeup. Men - in traditional batik shirts with long or short sleeves.



Girls recorded the names of guests who came to the book.
They say that in the 90's for the wedding was accepted to give a wreath of flowers, which is lined wish the newlyweds, and miscellaneous household utensils, so much so that in the end the honeymoon was more of the same gift mixers, TVs and other things. Now on the table at the entrance to the house, where the ceremony is a box where the folded envelopes with a gift in cash. Also, in the hands of the guests can see a box with cakes and bags full of goodies.
After the speech, the father and brother of the bride on stage with a microphone in his hands all moved into the tent, where the center sits the groom, and opposite him imam. Later comes the bride.



The bride and groom do not look at each other during the ceremony, and their faces do not express any emotions. Brac cover embroidered handkerchief, the sign that now they have one mind on the two heads. In other words, now the couple should consult all over each other, and all decisions are made mutually.



Bride in white embroidered stones Cabaye.





Indonesian women do not need to spend hours doing yourself wedding hairstyles, instead they braided quite incredible ways headscarves.



The bride did not dare to look at the groom.



Parents of the bride and groom.



Imam gives the newlyweds marriage certificate.





Obtain a certificate of marriage, newly minted husband and wife sit under one umbrella in front of the house. Two singer - woman and man - sung prayer on behalf of parents, which explains how should treat the husband and wife to each other how to live in harmony with yourself and others.



Then, kissing her knees parents, newlyweds ask forgiveness and blessing and undertake in the future always be with them. This is perhaps the most emotional part of the wedding. Penhulu escalate the situation of his sad song. All weep.



Relatives responsible for organizing the food at the wedding. Suddenly appear trays of food, and all the guests at once blows toward the site where these trays are sent.



Traditional food: vegetables with peanut sauce, beef stew, papaya leaves, soy pace on palm leaves, fresh bananas on a separate stand



And, of course, rice. Indonesians believe that if they did not eat the rice - it means they do not eat at all.
Guests who miss the ceremony, continue to come, the couple has a smile on his face invite them to the table.



Meanwhile, in another corner of the estate in the air flying coins resembling a pair that need to share with others what you have. Also throw rice, symbolizing prosperity, and candy, signifying flavor and sweetness of marriage. Children and adults with enthusiasm catch it all.



Broken eggs. It's time rite Nincak Endog. Newlywed couple standing near the entrance to the house. Husband breaks an egg right foot, which symbolizes his headship in the home and the wife cleans his leg, showing that henceforth she obeys her husband.



Then the couple split crock. To be able to split a bigger piece of a ceramic jug, and the master of the house. Do not like?



Bride won!
Well, all the guests kept coming to congratulate the newlyweds and go to the table ...

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