Wedding Ceremonies of the Thai Muong Tac in Phu Yen District, Son La Province

Abstract

This article introduces wedding ceremonies of the Thai Muong Tac (the White Thai) which are normally divided into three following periods: before, during and after the wedding. In general, the Thai’s wedding ceremonies reflect their unique and human cultural characteristics. The Thai ethnic group still maintains traditional marriage principles including exogamy, ethnic-mixed marriage, and the regulation of residence after the wedding. The wedding ceremonies of the Thai Muong Tac have both similarities and dissimilarities in comparison with those of the Black Thai. The marriage ceremonies of both groups differ only in some ritualistic aspects. During recent decade, there have been minor changes in the wedding culture of the Thai Muong Tac. These requirements mainly reflect adaptation to Vietnam's constitutional laws. Thai customary law however still plays an important role in adjusting relations in their family and their marriage ceremonies.