Changes in the marriage rituals in rural areas of Vietnam (A case study in three provinces of Yen Bai, Thua Thien - Hue, and Tien Giang)

Abstract

This article focuses on changes in the marriage rituals in rural areas of Vietnam. Results from research in  the three provinces of Yen Bai, Thua Thien - Hue, and Tien Giang show that the socio-economic situations have strong impacts on rituals, customs and habits related to marriage. All aspects of the marriage, from ways of learning about partners to actual marriage rituals, have been altered. In the past, it was common for young women to marry a man that her parents selected for her. Nowadays, most marriages are based on  negotiation and compromise between  parents and their children. In terms of the actual rituals relating to  marriage, the model of “six ceremonies”  gradually gave way to “three ceremonies”, and  nowadays some families have shortened the three remaining ceremonies. Marriage rituals have been simplified in order to save  time, labour and money. These changes are in accord with current developmental trends in  society.