VIETNAMESE WEDDING CUSTOM
Vietnamese wedding custom in the past
Historically, marriages, particularly among the upper classes, were arranged by families rather than the individuals involved The primary aim of these unions extended beyond the couple's personal lives, serving to forge alliances between two families.
In the traditional wedding customs outlined in "Thọ mai gia lễ" by Hồ Sỹ Tân, as referenced by Pham Con Son (2007: 33), there are six essential etiquettes that are observed: nap thai, van danh, nap te, thinh ki, and nghenh hon.
1.1.1 Nap Thai etiquette (Lễ Nạp Thái):
Nap Thai etiquette, also known as Cham Ngo etiquette (lễ Chạm Ngõ), marks the initial formal marriage proposal from the groom's family to the bride's family During this significant occasion, the groom's family presents traditional gifts, including betel leaves, betel nuts, Vietnamese rice wine, and tea, to signify their intentions and respect for the bride's family.
Picture 1.1: Betel leaves, and betel-nuts
1.1.2 Van Danh etiquette (Lễ Vấn Danh):
Van Danh, also known as An Hoi, is an important etiquette that follows Nap Thai in the bride's family During this ceremony, the names and ages of the prospective bride and groom are exchanged, allowing both families to assess their age compatibility for marriage Additionally, the Van Danh etiquette serves to formally introduce the couple to each other and their respective families as betrothed partners.
During Vietnamese wedding ceremonies, it is essential for the families, particularly the parents, to become acquainted The groom's family traditionally presents various offerings, including betel leaves, betel nuts, Vietnamese rice wine, and tea, along with Xoi Ga (steamed glutinous rice with chicken), roast pork, and cakes Among these, Su Se cakes, which are green and symbolize Yang, and Com cakes, which are white and represent Yin, are particularly significant This custom reflects the Vietnamese belief in the harmony of Yin and Yang, representing balance in nature.
On the wedding day, the bride’s family demands gifts from the groom’s family, which must be fulfilled for the marriage to be officially recognized These gifts typically include gold earrings, gold rings, blankets, decorative mats, and clothing.
At the conclusion of the Van Danh ceremony, the bride's family returns a portion of the gifts to the groom's family, while distributing the remainder to cousins, neighbors, and friends as a way to announce the wedding.
1.1.3 Nap Cat etiquette (Lễ Nạp Cát):
In the Nap Cat etiquette, the groom’s family will inform the bride’s family about the best day for receiving bride
1.1.4 Nap Te etiquette (Lễ Nạp Tệ):
At the appointed time and date, the representation of the bride’s family brings what the bride’s family has exacted in the Van Danh ceremony
1.1.5 Thinh Ki etiquette (Lễ Thỉnh Kỉ):
On the wedding day, prior to the bride's arrival, the groom's mother, accompanied by close relatives, visits the bride's home with a tray of betel and a bottle of Vietnamese rice wine During this visit, she formally requests permission to take the bride and confirms the time for the procession to bring her to her new home.
1.1.6 Nghenh Hon etiquette (Lễ Nghênh Hôn):
The final stage of a wedding ceremony is marked by the groom's family procession, which follows a specific order It begins with a distinguished representative from the groom's house, known for their eloquence and social standing This is followed by the present carriers and large traditional umbrellas, the groom's father, the groom himself, and finally, the immediate family and close friends.
Historically, the groom's mother refrained from participating in the wedding procession to signify that she posed no threat to the bride, often hiding briefly during the bride's arrival at the groom's home However, this tradition has since been discontinued.
Wedding rituals are performed before the ancestral altars of two families The couple then officially becomes husband and wife
In Vietnamese traditional weddings, the cheo etiquette (lễ cheo) is a significant custom that takes place either before or after the Nghinh Hôn ceremony During this ritual, the groom's family presents gifts or a monetary sum to the bride's village Historically, the wedding was only officially recognized by the bride's community after the completion of this important etiquette.
1.2 Vietnamese wedding custom in the modern times:
In the past, couples had to adhere to numerous etiquette rules to formalize their relationship, but many of these traditions have been simplified or eliminated over time Today, only the essential ceremonies remain, primarily due to changing societal norms and a shift in cultural values.
Vietnamese wedding custom in modern times
• The second is Party and Government’s regulation to carry out “a solemn, healthy and economical wedding”
Eliminating certain unnecessary wedding etiquette can lead to cost savings for both the bride's and groom's families while also diminishing social issues, such as the pressure to provide extravagant wedding gifts in some village communities.
1.2.1 Stages of Vietnamese wedding custom in modern times:
From 1997 to now (2008), Vietnamese weddings usually have three following etiquettes: Cham Ngo etiquette (Lễ Chạm Ngõ), Hoi etiquette (Lễ Hỏi), Cuoi ettiquette (Lễ Cưới)
1.2.1.1 Cham Ngo Etiquette (Proposal etiquette)
In contemporary marriages, couples often base their unions on love and familiarity, leading to a shift in traditional practices such as the Cham Ngo etiquette (Lễ Chạm Ngõ) This ceremony, once a formal introduction between the bride and groom, now serves as an opportunity for the groom's family to meet the bride's family for the first time During this visit, the groom's family presents offerings like tea, wine, fruits, pork pies, and fermented pork rolls, symbolizing their proposal If the meeting goes well, it paves the way for the next step, the Le Hoi (Engagement Etiquette).
1.2.1.2 Hoi Etiquette (Lễ Hỏi, Engagement Etiquette)
When two families agree on a suitable date, the Engagement Etiquette ceremony, known as Le Hoi, takes place The groom's family typically presents the bride's family with six trays filled with traditional offerings, including betel and areca, tea, wine, fruits, pork pie, pork roll, jewelry, and a selection of cakes such as yellow wedding pastries, green rice flake cakes, or cream cakes.
In Vietnamese wedding traditions, essential offerings vary by region but typically include betel, areca, tea, wine, and cakes Historically, the bridegroom's family would set off firecrackers upon arriving to ward off evil spirits, a practice that has evolved; now, the bride's family detonates firecrackers to welcome the groom's family before inviting them into their home However, due to safety concerns, the Vietnamese Government has prohibited the use of firecrackers, leading to the adoption of balloons as a festive alternative On the engagement day, both the bride and groom traditionally don the Áo Dài and Khăn đóng (turban) during the ceremony.
Picture 1.5a: The bride and bridegroom in Áo Dài and Khăn Đóng
In recent years, the bridegroom preferred wearing suit to dress and turban
Picture 1.5b: The bride in Ao Dai and the bridegroom in suit
After the engagement ceremony, the bride's family hosts a celebration to honor the groom's family, followed by returning gifts to them The remaining offerings are shared among immediate family and relatives Approximately one to two weeks prior to the wedding, wedding invitation cards are distributed to guests, providing details about the wedding date, time, and location.
1.2.1.3 Cưới etiquette (Lễ cưới, Wedding Etiquette)
In the past, families often waited two to three years after the Engagement Etiquette (Le Hoi) to hold the Wedding Ceremony (Le Cuoi) However, wedding planning has become significantly simpler today, allowing couples to proceed with their wedding celebrations shortly after the engagement.
Le Cuoi, or Wedding Etiquette, typically spans two days, with celebrations held on both the bride's and groom's sides During the banquet, the bride wears a soirée dress while the groom dons a suit; however, the bride also wears an áo dài during the traditional morning ceremony.
Picture 1.7: Bride and groom’s clothes in wedding party
In contemporary weddings, the inclusion of musical bands enhances the celebratory atmosphere, making the event more vibrant and enjoyable Following the wedding ceremony, couples typically embark on their honeymoon, cherishing this intimate and significant time together.
Modern weddings differ significantly from those of the past in terms of format, conception, and customs Despite these changes, the fundamental meaning and significance of the wedding process remain constant.
1.2.2 Some differences between the modern Vietnamese weddings and the past ones
Traditionally, weddings were guided by six etiquettes: Nap Thai, Van Danh, Nap Cat, Nap Te, Thinh Ky, and Nghenh Hon However, in contemporary times, only three key customs remain prominent: Cham Ngo, Le Hoi, and Cuoi.
• In the past, after Le Hoi (Engagement Etiquette), the bride and the bridegroom were not allowed to meet each other but now they freely meet each other
On the wedding day, the bridegroom's mother traditionally stayed away from the bride's house, often hiding with a lime pot in hand to prevent potential conflicts with her daughter-in-law However, this custom has largely fallen out of practice in modern times.
A new trend in wedding celebrations has emerged, moving away from traditional seated dinners to buffet-style gatherings In this format, food is arranged in long rows, allowing guests to stand and mingle during the event This approach is particularly popular for collective weddings, as it offers a more economical option for hosting larger groups.
At wedding parties, it has become common for guests to give monetary gifts rather than traditional presents To facilitate this, a designated box is placed at the entrance for guests to deposit their money Before contributing, guests are encouraged to sign a decorative cloth, which the bride and groom will cherish as a keepsake This practice helps maintain decorum, preventing the bride, groom, and their parents from hastily putting money into their pockets.
Picture 1.10: Bride and bridegroom are often the first two people signing on the beautiful cloth
• Wedding dress now is more multiform The brides often wear soirées at the party but they still wear áo dài and khăn đóng in the traditional ceremony
• Originated from the Western, honeymoon is very popular in Vietnam now The couple enjoys their honeymoon right after their wedding The vacation did not exist in the past
Modern Vietnamese weddings have evolved significantly from the past while still preserving their traditional beauty These contemporary ceremonies blend cherished customs with innovative elements, reflecting the country's development However, it is essential to maintain these traditions without adopting external cultural influences, as doing so could jeopardize the essence of Vietnamese weddings.
BRITISH WEDDING CUSTOM
British engagement and wedding ceremony
The proverb "marriage halves our grief, doubles our joys, and quadruples our expenses" highlights the significance of choosing a life partner Historically, couples in love often faced restrictions, as their marital decisions required the approval of parents and relatives Thus, the choice of marriage remains one of the most crucial decisions in life.
In traditional customs, a man typically does not propose directly; instead, he enlists a close friend or relative to convey his intentions to his beloved in the presence of her family In British culture, certain omens, such as encountering a blind man or a pregnant woman, are considered bad luck and may lead to the rejection of a proposal Conversely, seeing a she-goat, pigeon, or wolf is viewed as a positive sign, indicating good fortune for the proposal.
However, nowadays, many things have changed; custom and rites in engagement and wedding have not been as complex as they used to be
Engagement has become more romantic, because along with proposal, the man gives his sweatheart a ring Engagement is a procedure as well as the first step leading them to their wedding
After the proposal was accepted, the girl’s surname will be changed into her would-be husband However, this surname is called after the marriage
When planning a wedding, selecting the right day is crucial Traditionally, Saturdays have become the most popular choice for weddings, as many people have the day off However, in the past, certain days like Friday the 13th were viewed as unlucky June, named after Juno, the Roman goddess of love and marriage, is often seen as a fortunate month for weddings Additionally, summer is generally considered an ideal season for marriage, largely due to the sun's connection to fertility.
Wedding preparation is crucial as it represents one of the most significant events in our lives This process involves organizing essential elements such as wedding invitations, the bridal gown, and floral arrangements.
When the day is chosen, the bride and groom will send wedding cards
A wedding invitation is a formal request for guests to attend a wedding, typically sent out four to six weeks prior to the event These invitations are usually presented in double envelopes, with the inner envelope often lined and unsealed, fitting neatly inside the outer, gummed envelope Accompanying the invitation, there is usually a response card and envelope, which the guests are encouraged to return about two weeks before the wedding, helping the couple estimate attendance for catering purposes The response envelope is conveniently pre-addressed and stamped Additionally, wedding invitations often include a map or directions and accommodation details Various printing methods such as engraving, lithography, thermography, letterpress, and blind embossing are commonly used, while handmade invitations have gained popularity due to the rise of cardmaking and scrapbooking hobbies.
Creating a gift list is crucial for couples to prevent duplicate gifts and ensure a variety of price options, allowing guests to choose within their budget It's advisable to include items that the bride and groom can enjoy together, rather than solely personal gifts like jewelry Gifts should ideally be sent or delivered before the wedding day, and the bride should acknowledge each gift upon arrival Additionally, monetary gifts can also be considered as alternatives.
The traditional wedding adage of "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue" symbolizes key aspects of a bride's journey "Something old" signifies stability in marriage, often represented by a garter passed down from a happily married woman "Something new" embodies the couple's hopeful future, while "something borrowed," typically a cherished item from the bride's family, must be returned for good luck The "something blue" tradition, rooted in ancient Israel, represents fidelity with a blue ribbon in the bride's hair Additionally, placing a silver sixpence in the bride's shoe is meant to bring wealth to the couple's life together, though many modern brides now opt for a penny instead.
Traditionally, grooms typically don black suits, while brides commonly choose white wedding dresses, symbolizing purity and maidenhood In contrast, green dresses are generally avoided in weddings due to the belief that they bring bad luck.
Picture 2.3: The bride in white dress
In order to protect the bride from evil spirits, and unlucky things, the veil became popular in Britain in 1980s The veil is also associated with modesty and chastity
Picture 2.4: The bride with a veil
Flowers play a crucial role in wedding ceremonies, with many couples selecting them based on their symbolic meanings For example, the orange blossom is a traditional choice, symbolizing purity and chastity, making it a popular flower for weddings.
Azaleas symbolize temperance, while a mix of red and white flowers is often avoided due to their associations with blood and bandages, reflecting superstitions In contrast, roses are a symbol of love, and snowdrops represent hope.
The groom often chooses a flower for his buttonhole which also occurs in the bride’s bouquet
Picture 2.6: Bride – bridegroom and bridesmaids and groomsmen
Bride and Groom often need the help of bridesmaids and groomsmen
In Britain, wedding ceremonies are typically held in a church, with the bride accompanied by her sister or a close friend as a bridesmaid Traditionally, bridesmaids, often young girls dressed similarly to the bride, served to confuse evil spirits and protect the bride, a practice rooted in the origins of the bridal veil Additionally, the groom selects a groomsman to assist him during the wedding celebration.
Picture 2.7: Wedding ceremony at the church
The ceremony shows here is extracted from the 2001 Marriage Service from the Book of Common Worship
In the sacred presence of God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—the Catholic priest gathers everyone to witness the union of the bride and groom, inviting prayers for divine blessings, sharing in their joy, and celebrating their love.
During the wedding ceremony, the priest asks the couple if they will commit to each other, emphasizing the importance of love, comfort, honor, protection, and faithfulness for life.
During the wedding ceremony, the priest asks the bride if she will take her partner as her husband, committing to love, comfort, honor, and protect him She is also asked to remain faithful and forsake all others for the duration of their lives together.
The priest invites the congregation to pray in silence, leading into the collect that acknowledges God's blessings on creation The prayer specifically asks for divine blessings upon the couple, emphasizing their mutual love, companionship, holiness, and commitment to one another It concludes with a plea through Jesus Christ, highlighting the unity of the Holy Spirit and the eternal nature of God.
The priest introduces the vows in these or similar words: “… and …, I now invite you to join hands and make your vows, in the presence of God and his people.”
Wedding parties
In Britain, wedding cakes hold significant importance at wedding celebrations, symbolizing the love between the bride and groom Modern wedding cakes are typically large and multi-layered, with tradition dictating that the couple makes the first cut together Following this, the bride serves slices to the groom's family, representing her transition from her family to her husband's Afterward, other guests are invited to enjoy the cake, with some portions often taken home or sent to those unable to attend the event.
Picture 2.8: The first cut of the wedding cake
An old tradition suggested that bridesmaids could dream of their future husbands by sleeping with a piece of wedding cake under their pillows However, this custom has largely faded away in modern times.
Wedding cake toppers are often put at the top of wedding cakes Wedding cake toppers are often figured that indicate shared hobbies and passions
In England, there is no “right” menu for a wedding meal Nowadays, there are three most common ways to hold an wedding meal
A traditional wedding meal often features a formal sit-down dinner, which, while elegant, can be costly Guests typically enjoy a three-course meal accompanied by coffee, wedding cake, wine, and champagne, all served at a beautifully set table This type of dining experience necessitates a well-planned menu and ample waiting staff Despite the expenses, a formal sit-down dinner offers numerous benefits for the wedding celebration.
To ensure all guests feel included, a designated seating arrangement will be provided, preventing anyone from feeling isolated, especially those unfamiliar with others Additionally, for larger gatherings, a sit-down dinner is preferable to a buffet, as it creates a more organized atmosphere and enhances guest comfort.
A fork buffet offers a more casual alternative to a traditional sit-down wedding reception, allowing guests to select from a variety of dishes at a buffet while enjoying their meal at elegantly arranged tables.
Many young couples today prefer fork buffets for their weddings, as they offer guests more choices while maintaining the elegance of beautifully set tables This trend often involves dividing the wedding party into smaller areas featuring various food stalls, such as Indian, Thai, and Italian cuisine The fork buffet has gained popularity in England, seen as a perfect blend of tradition and modernity.
In addition, one more kind of wedding party which is also popular in England nowadays is the finger buffet
A finger buffet allows guests to enjoy a variety of delicious foods, such as canapés, sandwiches, pastries, and dips, without the need for cutlery, promoting a relaxed atmosphere for mingling While this option is often more budget-friendly, it's essential to consider the comfort of all guests, particularly the elderly, who may prefer seating To ensure a pleasant experience, a well-organized reception should provide ample seating around tables for those who wish to take a break from standing.
Three kinds of wedding party which English couples often choose are mentioned above; however, they also have to decide whether their wedding party will hold inside or outside
Dancing is a vital element of wedding celebrations in England and other Western countries, with music selection playing a crucial role Couples can choose between a live band, a DJ, or a sound system to enhance their wedding party Contemporary weddings often feature waltzes and romantic songs, with the bride and groom sharing their first dance Following this, a special father-daughter dance typically occurs, after which guests are invited to join in the festivities Overall, dancing stands out as one of the most memorable aspects of weddings in England.
Picture: 2.13: Bride and bridegroom are dancing Picture 2.14: Guests are dancing
Honeymoon
In England, honeymoon is one of the most important parts in a wedding because it makes a wedding become more romantic and interesting
A honeymoon is a deeply intimate time for newlyweds, serving as a crucial period to establish their new marriage It goes beyond a simple vacation; it symbolizes the beginning of their life together and allows them to cast off their old lives This special time is dedicated to focusing solely on each other, reinforcing the significance of their relationship and creating lasting memories that will shape their future together.
A honeymoon represents a journey away from familiar surroundings, allowing newlyweds to explore a new destination where they can deepen their connection and strengthen their bond This intimate getaway is a significant aspect of weddings for British regional youth, providing an opportunity for couples to grow closer and create lasting memories together.
THE ORIGIN OF WEDDING CUSTOM
The origin of English wedding custom
Until 1753, there was no formal state involvement in marriages In Anglo-Saxon times, the bride’s father would lead a public ceremony, called a
The traditional ceremony known as "bewedding" involved the groom and his family providing assurances to the bride's guardians regarding her care This practice evolved into what is now referred to as "weds." During the 1500s, the majority of English weddings were conducted in churches, largely due to the Catholic faith prevalent among the English population Furthermore, the implementation of Lord Hardwicke’s Marriage Act in 1753 mandated that all marriages must occur within the Church of England.
Like other cultural aspects, many English wedding tradition originate in England, some are the results of cultural exchange
Most brides today wear white dresses, symbolizing maidenhood, a tradition that began among the wealthy in the sixteenth century when white fabric was scarce for the poor Queen Victoria popularized the white wedding dress, leading to its widespread adoption Prior to this trend, brides simply wore their best dress Additionally, veils, originally worn by Roman brides, were believed to protect brides from evil and misfortune on their wedding day It wasn't until the 1800s that veils gained popularity in England, where they became associated with modesty and chastity.
The wedding ring, a symbol of the union between husband and wife, has a rich history dating back to ancient Egypt along the Nile River, around 4,800 years ago During the Middle Ages in England, couples often used coins instead of rings, with the bride receiving a broken coin and the groom keeping the other half A tradition emerged where grooms would slide the wedding ring onto the bride's left hand while reciting a blessing It wasn't until 1950 that "The Book of Common Prayer" officially designated the fourth finger of the left hand as the wedding ring finger, although historically, brides in the Elizabethan era wore their rings on the thumb.
In English wedding traditions, it is deemed bad luck for the bride to look in the mirror before leaving for the ceremony Conversely, encountering symbols such as lambs, toads, spiders, black cats, rainbows, or a chimney sweep is believed to bring good fortune On the other hand, seeing an open grave, a pig, a lizard, or monks and nuns, as well as hearing a cockerel crow after dawn, is considered unlucky, potentially due to associations with poverty and chastity.
Traditionally, when the bride and groom enter their new marital home, the groom carries the bride over the threshold This custom has various interpretations, but one explanation rooted in Anglo-Saxon tradition suggests that it symbolizes the groom stealing his bride and carrying her away.
Wedding cakes trace their origins back to ancient Roman traditions, where a cake made of wheat or barley was broken over the bride's head to symbolize good fortune The Roman poet Lucretius noted that this practice evolved into crumbling sweet wheat cakes over the bride Guests were then given confetto, a sweet mix of nuts, dried fruits, and honeyed almonds, which remained a staple at wedding banquets for centuries When the Romans invaded Britain in 43 A.D., this custom was adopted, and during medieval times, guests brought small cakes to stack in layers The bride and groom would attempt to kiss over the cake stack for luck, leading to the development of the modern iced wedding cake Thus, while the origin of the wedding cake lies in the Roman Empire, its evolution took place in England.
The term "honeymoon" derives from the Norse word "hjunottsmanathr," which reflects a tradition that dates back to around 433 A.D in Northern Europe During this period, newlyweds would consume a daily cup of honeyed wine, known as mead, for the first month of their marriage, marking a unique celebration of their union.
19 th century Great Britain, the honeymoon was considered as the “bridal tour”
The tradition of honeymooning began with newlywed couples traveling to visit relatives who couldn’t attend their weddings, often accompanied by family and friends This custom, known as voyage à la façon anglaise (English-style voyage), spread across Europe in the 1820s The modern concept of a honeymoon, defined as a private holiday for newlyweds to celebrate their marriage and new life together, emerged in France in the late 19th century Over time, honeymoons have evolved to become more civilized and romantic while still retaining their original essence of being "the sweetest of life."
The origin of Vietnamese wedding custom
Vietnamese’s weddings are the combination of wedding etiquettes which belong to the Orient culture and European culture At the end of
“Western Han” (206 BC – 8 AD) and at the beginning of “Eastern Han” (25 –
220), the Han culture began to spread into Vietnam Confucianism is a part of Han culture; certainly it soon appeared in Vietnam
Actually, the Confucianism in Vietnam maybe appeared at the end of
The Eastern Han period is notable for the contributions of Tích Quang and Nhâm Diên, two esteemed Chinese mandarins recognized for their exemplary values of politeness and reason, which have left a significant impact on both Chinese and Vietnamese history.
The term "Song hỷ" originates from China, reflecting the influence of Chinese wedding traditions on Vietnamese customs The six etiquettes of Vietnamese weddings were shaped by Confucianism, which was introduced during the period of northern domination While these wedding practices have their roots in China, the Vietnamese have adapted them to showcase their unique national identity The court played a significant role in disseminating these etiquettes throughout Vietnam, resulting in a blend of cultural influences that highlight both Chinese origins and Vietnamese characteristics.
The “Su sê” pastry, originating from Bac Ninh province in northern Vietnam, holds significant cultural value for both the local community and the Vietnamese people as a whole Symbolizing loyalty, “Su sê” has evolved over time to represent the cultural identity of the Vietnamese While the Bac Ninh people are credited with its creation, the Chinese played a crucial role in popularizing this beloved pastry in the market.
Betel and areca nuts hold significant cultural importance in Vietnam, symbolizing love and marriage The Vietnamese saying "the betel begins the conversation" highlights their role in facilitating social interactions, especially during formal occasions In traditional weddings, the groom presents betel leaves and areca nuts to the bride's parents as part of the marriage proposal, making these items synonymous with marriage, as reflected in the phrase "matters of betel and areca" (chuyện trầu cau) Similarly, in Indian culture, particularly among Hindus, betel and areca are integral to various ceremonies, including offerings to priests, where money is placed within betel leaves.
Vietnamese weddings are characterized by unique rites such as "nộp cheo," "giã cối đón dâu," and "trải chiếu," reflecting the cultural traits of Vietnam These traditions highlight the strong connection between the wedding celebrations and the interests of the village community.
For the Vietnamese community, the stability of village life is paramount This cultural value is reflected in wedding traditions, where the groom's family presents a monetary gift known as "cheo" to the bride's family, symbolizing respect and commitment to the community.
In Vietnamese culture, marriage is not just a union between two individuals but a significant event that reflects the interests of both families involved While couples may initially focus on their personal desires, the broader community and familial connections play a crucial role in the selection of a spouse This highlights the importance of choosing a compatible family, as individual relationships are deeply intertwined with community values and expectations.
Vietnamese weddings are influenced by various cultures, including Chinese and Egyptian traditions The concept of the wedding ring, which dates back to ancient Egypt around 4,000 years ago, symbolizes eternal love through its circular shape, representing a connection to a supernatural force Traditionally, the bride places the wedding ring on the ring finger of the groom's left hand, as both the Greeks and Egyptians believed that a vein of love runs from this finger to the heart Initially, only women wore wedding rings until the twentieth century, when World War II prompted husbands to wear them as a symbol of marriage and longing for their wives Today, the wedding ring holds significant meaning in Vietnamese weddings, embodying both noble and romantic sentiments.
Cream wedding cakes, commonly featured in modern Vietnamese weddings, have their origins rooted in Roman traditions This cake style shares its heritage with the cream wedding cake popular in England.
Vietnamese weddings uniquely blend positive elements from various international wedding traditions while maintaining distinct characteristics As society evolves, these ceremonies have undergone selective changes that align with the customs and habits of the Vietnamese people, enhancing the special nature of Vietnamese weddings.
This article provides an overview of the English and Vietnamese wedding customs, highlighting their unique characteristics and differences Each country's wedding traditions are distinct, yet they often incorporate external influences to enhance their specialness In Vietnam, many wedding etiquettes are rooted in Chinese traditions due to historical invasions, while modern integration has allowed for cultural exchanges with various nations Additionally, the impact of French and American cultures has shaped Vietnamese wedding customs Ultimately, some Vietnamese wedding practices have been indirectly influenced by British traditions, showcasing a blend of cultural elements.
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