A Look at Traditional Marriage Customs of the Tay Muong Sub-ethnic Group in Con Cuong District, Nghe An Province (Through Fieldwork Data Collected in Yen Thanh Hamlet, Luc Da Commune)

Abstract

This article presents the sequence of the marriage proceedings and ceremonies among the Tay Muong sub-ethnic group belonging to the Thai ethnic group in the northern highland region of Vietnam. According to Dang’s description, the Tay Muong’s marriage ceremony consists of two main stages: rituals and ceremonies that occur during and after the wedding. The Tay Muong’s customs show that their betrothal ceremony is divided into three steps. Each step is accompanied with an increase in offerings. The wedding ceremony is performed twice. After the second wedding ceremony, the newly-wed couple organizes a thanksgiving ritual to express their gratitude towards the matchmakers for joining the couples in marriage. After the feast, the couple visits the bride’s family to say thank you to their relatives for their help and for attending the wedding. According to Dang, the Tay Muong’s wedding has undergone many subtle changes, but the main traditions and customs remain strong.