Sarawak Culture PELAH HAWA Traditional Kayan Wedding

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The Wedding

This is the time when the Maren Uma / Penghulu solemnises the marriage / pelah hawa.

As observed in Long Laput, the Temenggong asks the groom if he wishes to take the bride and her family to be his family. The same question is asked of the bride. When both have answered "I do", the Temenggong asks for the right hands of the couple. The groom's hand is placed on top of the bride's. The Temenggong then holds the handle of malat buk together with the beads and passes the items to and fro a few times over the entwined hands of the couple. Witnessed by the guests, the blessing is fulfilled.

the blessing the blessing the blessing

After the blessing, the signing of the marriage testimonial follows, witnessed by both parents of the bride and groom. The Temenggong as head of the community endorses the document by signing it. The couple is then asked to stand on the tawak. The certificate is awarded to them. Still standing on the tawak and shielded by the kelebit and hong inu, the couple are blessed by the parents from both families. The marriage vows are sealed. The guests then congratulate the couple.

signing of the marriage testimonial signing of the marriage testimonial still standing on the tawak