Beautiful rite of 'Betashar' (kaz. 'open face') symbolizes inclusion of a bride into a groom’s family clan. First bride’s mother arranges Kazakh traditional headwear “Saukele” on her daughter’s head covering her face with veil called “jelek”. The groom’s eldest sisters-in-law (“jenge”) bring the bride under their arms to the guests. Then the bride puts her feet on a white carpet with an image of Tengrian calendar embodying the Universe or lamb fleece – the symbols of fertility. Masters of improvised music poetry Akyns start the ritual by singing a bridal song “Betashar jyr” to the accompaniment of Dombyra. The song praises groom’s family ancestors, parents and all relatives in dedicated couplets. In return the bride with her sisters-in-law bow to every relative and family listed, thus giving her respect and greeting – “Salem beru”. The relatives, whom the bride has just bowed, reward Akyn with money for his performance. After introducing all the relatives and expressing good wishes, Akyn lifts the bride’s veil with the neck of his Dombyra, thus revelaing the bride’s face to everybody. Mother-in-law (“Ene”) takes off the veil, kisses and welcomes new member of the family. Then the groom takes the bride by the hand showing her to all guests. At this moment elder relatives shower the newlyweds with sweets and coins (“Shashu” ritual), wishing them happiness and abundances. In some regions Betashar includes: bride’s stepping over the fire, fumigation of bride with harmala (“adiraspan”) smoke and pouring oil on fire to endear the Spirit of fire.

Menora, also known as Nora Chatri, is a folk dance-drama tradition practiced by the Thai community in the north Malaysian states of Kelantan, and Kedah, as well as throughout southern Thailand. A Menora performance incorporates stylised dance, singing, comedy, and drama. Ritual elements are strong in this performance tradition, which is often performed on special occasions such as Buddhist temple ceremonies and the initiation or coming of age rites of a dancer. Menora is also held at community gatherings such as weddings and public festivals.The word Menora derives from a Buddhist jataka tale about Menora, a heavenly bird-princess who falls in love with a human prince, Phra Suthon. This tale forms the basis of the tradition’s main dance sequence in which the principal dancer, as Phra Suthon, performs a courting dance with Menora and her heavenly sisters. Dance movements are characterised by backward-bent fingers and outstretched arms, alternating subtle and sudden gestures that are said to reflect those of a mythical bird. The opening dance is followed by a lakon (dramatic sequence), during which various stories are performed by the principal dancer, a pair of clowns and supporting actors. In Kelantan, the Menora has incorporated many characteristics of Kelantanese Malay traditions, particularly the Mak Yong. The musical instruments of Menora usually comprise of gendang, geduk, gedumbak, gong, canang, kesi, wooden clappers, and serunai.

A kind of folksong which is performed during weddings.

A custom of bringing bride’s dresses, furniture and other belongings to the bride’s house, which are presents of groom. Following this action will be held a tableful.

This film features the highlights of an Ifugao wedding celebration in contemporary times. It started with an invitation posted on a store in the town of Brgy. Amduntog, about a 30-minute motorbike ride far from the celebration.

The picture above is my first marriage (according to Newar tradition) with the Bel fruit, along with my friends which is also known as a wooden apple. I was about 5 years old and had no idea about the wedding at all. Newars possess different cycles of rituals from birth to death. Wedding of a girl in Newari community possess a deep meaning and has great importance. Their wedding practices are unique too. A daughter born in a Newari community is married thrice. But not all marriages are with men (groom). The first marriage is performed before puberty with Bel fruit (Aegle marmelos), the second marriage is with the sun, and finally, the third marriage is with a man. Ihi, one of the most important rites of the Newar community, is an entrance ritual to the life cycle ritual of the Newar girl, which gives membership to the girl within the community. Young girls from age of 5-9, before their puberty, are married with bel fruit, the symbol of the Lord Bishnu, one of the gods in Hinduism. Hence, this function is related to marriage and divorce. After this marriage, Newar girl is, therefore, never believed to be a widow, even her real husband dies, because she has already married with eternal god, Lord Bishnu the god of sustainer. No less than other weddings, I was made ready for the wedding ceremony dressed up with my hair and makeup done. In Newar culture, during special ceremonies, people must clean from head to toe. Naunis (a traditional barber and pedicurist in the Newar community) are invited for nail trimming. Naunis cut nails and put “Ala” (a red pigment), around hands and feet (like in the second picture), which is a traditional pedicure for women in Newari culture. After all preparation, we were taken to the temple of the Lord Bishnu for the wedding ceremony with the Bel. And after the ceremony, relatives came to me bringing gifts and cash. There was a feast afterward. These practices are of more than religious and cultural significance. Through these rituals and practices, young girls are taught about the change they have according to their age. They are even taught about the norm and values of the community as a member of it. Fortunately, Ihi is being practiced to the date, but the importance and meaning of Ihi are declining day by day. Rituals like this should be safeguarded and transmitted to the coming generation.