what are some customs in vietnam?

Question

what does a marriage ceremony consist of in vietnam, how is divorce looked at in vietnam

Answer 1

Marriage ceremony is quite different from Western ceremonies. Even the engagement is different. You need to consider that Viets used to have prearranged marriages. Although this is not common anymore, much of the traditions are still the same.

The first ceremony is the engagement ceremony, The groom's parents parade through town/village to the bride's home. The groom's family will have a parade of servants carrying the dory's (for lack of better term). The engagement ceremony is when the parents arrange the wedding.

The wedding day has several ceremonies. The parade to the bride's house. The elder asking the blessings of the bride's ancestors. The drinking of the rice wine (you're basically married after that). A ceremony at a Buddhist temple and/or a church depending on the religion.

The reception is the big event. Between 20-30 course meals. Lots of alcohol. Lots of fat and drunk Viets.

The Groom is supposed to pay for the wedding, but the guests usually give money to the newlywed couple enough to pay for the wedding, honeymoon and extra dough to boot. In the past, there was often enough money for a down payment for a house if there was enough guests.

As for divorce...

Viets hold family as their highest honor, and it is rare that Viets will get a divorce. Divorce had been looked down upon, and still is in the North. It's not as much of an issue in Saigon because of the increase in divorces and Western influence.