Love, marriage and laughter in the Cham village

"To the world you may be one person,
but to one person you may be the world" Bill Wilson


On our fourth day here in Chau Doc, we were invited to a Cham wedding. I have been to many Cham weddings, growing up in the States, but I can't even begin to tell you how excited I was to be able to finally witness a traditional Cham wedding in the village.

For days, we watched the bride's house being transformed and decorated in the traditional Cham wedding style- lots of colours, lights and, of course, the traditional (and compulsory it seems) valance with the hand-embroidered Arabic words "Laillaha illah muhamadur rasullah" or even simpler with just the Arabic words Allah and Muhammad.

Most diaspora Cham parents in the States (and other countries as well?)  start collecting these decorations from their village as soon as their children are of marriageable age. I know mine did.

Scarves, streamers, balloons, lights and even beach balls are used here in Vietnam. The groom's house is more simply decorated with a just a square valance atop the groom's throne (lounge/chair).

The gifts ready to be given to the bride and her family

Like Cham weddings in America, there is a malam dhga (young girls night) where the bride and groom hold separate parties in their respective homes and greet guests. It is similar to the henna night in Indian/Arab culture. Wedding sweets and tea are offered. Girls of marriageable age (usually 18 years and over) get dressed up in their best clothes and jewellery and use the opportunity to catch up with each other.

The bride mingling with her guests



The bride serving sweets to her guests



Music is an important part of Cham weddings. Both men and women perform in front of an appreciate crowd. Nasheeds (songs praising God and the Prophet), traditional Cham folk songs,as well as Vietnamese pop songs are sung by the villagers.

An absolute sweet voice to listen to- her folk songs bring tears to your eyes

The Cham men doing the chacha to a Viet pop song. Trust me they were having a lot of fun!

After the malam dhga, the next important day is the procession whereby the villagers meet the groom at his house, prepare him to meet his bride and walk him to her house. He also has helpers who come bearing traditional gifts for the bride's family consisting of rice, fruits and grains.

We are not sure why, but Cham grooms dress up in Arab gear on the procession day. Also quite confusing is the Aviators sunglasses. No one has been able to give us a clear answer as to why they are worn. At least, they don't make the groom wear make-up including lipstick anymore.



My two brothers with the groom and his helpers bearing gifts for the bride's family



The beautiful, handmade wedding umbrella sheltering the groom on his walk to the bride's house

The women in the village lead the wedding procession

The groom, his helpers and the men follow shortly after

Arriving at the bride's house

First photo as husband and wife

The groom takes her hand and leads her out of her house to introduce her to the rest of the villagers waiting outside to view the newly married husband and wife. After the introduction, the traditional wedding meal of Cham curry, pickles, soup and rice is served.

The wedding was indeed elaborate, yet it wasn't complicated or formal. People came and went as they pleased with barely any speeches, except to introduce the next performer. There is no invite list; it is open to everyone.Indeed it is a village affair as the whole village participates in the preparations of the wedding, from the decorations to the cooking. Generally women chop up the meat and vegetables and the men do the cooking. 

I am enthralled by what I have observed as well as participated in. Cham weddings here are vibrant, informal, and a true celebration of not only the love between the bride and groom but within the whole village as well.