After the khan maak procession, the wedding moves to the next important step: the dowry arrangement and proposal ceremony. This is when the gifts from the procession are officially presented, and the marriage proposal takes place.
The groom’s representative, called the Tao kae, starts by formally proposing marriage. After this, the focus shifts to the dowry, which is a gift from the groom’s family to the bride’s family. It symbolizes the start of the couple’s married life and represents good fortune.
The dowry is carefully arranged and displayed, often by someone who knows wedding traditions well. It is placed on a tray and includes:
Gifts from the groom: Cash, gold, jewellery, engagement rings, or valuable items.
Symbolic items:
Silver, gold, and copper leaves: For wealth and prosperity.
Betel nuts: Representing harmony and respect in marriage.
Betel leaves: Symbolizing the joining of two families.
Auspicious items: Flowers and grains, like marigolds (growth), crown flowers (enduring love), roses (affection), and grains like sesame and beans (success and abundance).
Once everything is arranged, the couple lifts the tray together and presents it to their parents and elders. The elders then bless the couple with rice and flowers, wishing them a bright future.
A special tradition is that the groom offers a slightly larger dowry than agreed upon, symbolizing the couple’s growing wealth. The bride’s mother then playfully pretends to carry the heavy dowry, saying it will bring prosperity to the family, adding a fun touch to the ceremony.
The dowry is then carefully wrapped up, marking the next phase of the wedding, where the couple shows respect to their elders and family. This tradition is a beautiful way to honour both families and start the couple’s new journey together.
