Traditional Marriage of the Muong in Da Hamlet, Tan My Commune, Lac Son District, Hoa Binh Province

Abstract

The paper explores the traditional customs of the Muong wedding ceremony prior to 1954. Focusing on the Muong conception of the marriage, the author outlines the processes leading up to the marriage as well as the ceremony itself and post-wedding practices. The wedding ceremony is closely tied to their agrarian lifestyle. The wedding couple would be fully capable of all the farming aspects necessary to their culture. Factors determining whom were complicated by the needs of the joining families as well as rituals played an important factor in determining wedding arrangements. Muong wedding rituals the unique to the Muong and reflect their desire for a bountiful life.