VIETNAMESE ENGAGEMENT CEREMONY | DAM HOI
Traditionally, the groom’s parents will lead a procession to the bride’s family home where they are greeted by those who have come before them. Gifts are carried in even numbers and stored within an urn-like container known as Mâm Qua or red tins which cover with a traditional cloth for safekeeping until it is time to exchange gifts on behalf of both families involved during these proceedings. After permission has been granted from one another’s elders (in this case grandmother), then does he may choose whether his male relatives should share out any items among themselves first but always ensuring nobody goes without something special just because somebody else got more than him! The young man himself steps forth only after being fully stocked up beforehand–mindful of the Vietnamese saying:
“Ăn cùng mà không ăn, giường nghỉ chung mà không ngơ!” [translation:] “Eat from the same pot but don’t sleep in the same bed.” Vietnamese wedding traditions demand that if one wishes to be considered a man, he must never covet another’s share of the good things in life! Vietnamese wedding traditions continue on with the tea and candle ceremony.
