Palembang Traditional Wedding

The wedding rituals and traditions of Palembang is one of the symbols that reflect the majesty and glory of the kings Sriwijaya dynasty centuries ago. These are some of the rituals that accompany the traditional wedding ceremony of Palembang :

1.     Madik

In the madik tradition, the groom’s family visited the bride’s house to meet at the same time. They come to observe the condition of the bride and her family. Beside that, the groom's family want the two families to get close each other. In this tradition, the groom is usually sent one of his family who can give an accurate information about the bride. It is also important to know about the bride's family background. The groom is usually give some things to the bride and her family such as butter, eggs, sugar, and also songket.

2.     Menyenggung

This tradition is symbol of the seriousness from the groom. The groom was sent one of his family to the bride’s house to make a deal about the date for the next arrival. In this tradition, the groom’s family is also bring some things like in madik tradition.

3.     Woo ( Melamar )

The groom’s family came to the bride’s to woo her. They’re explain about their purpose with the bride’s family and they’re also bring some things like in the previous traditions. But, in this tradition they’re give a many things. They’re bring songket, clothes, scarves, cosmetics, jewelry tools, bags, shoes, and a bunch of banana which is a symbol of the prosperity. If the bride’s family accepted their purpose, they’ll set the date of their wedding.

1.       Do a Ritual

Bride and groom usually perform some ritual that was believed for health and beauty, and also the symbol of the magical influence of traditional beliefs. The rituals begin from "Betanggas" (the steam bath), then "Bebedak", and the last is "Bepacar", which is given pacar (a type of kutek) on all fingernails and toenails. The red color of pacar is useful to repel all types of spirits, and it is also believed  have a magical powers to give fertility for the bride.

Marriage

      Like the other marriage ceremony, this event was attended by close relatives and family of the bride and      groom. Dowry is usually jewelry or other things depends of a  requested by the family of the woman and the man agreed. The groom is come into the room, then the penghulu lead  the implementation of the ceremony.