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My cousin sister got married during the December school holidays and my
whole family attended the function. Dressed in my best, I went along with my
family to the bride's home where the 'Bersanding' ceremony was held. There
were beautiful coloured lights and the garden was lit, too. I found flowers
everywhere and guests were milling around.
On a dais in front of the hall were
two chairs beautifully adorned in satin and silk, with two velvet cushions
for the bridal couple. At about 7.00 p.m., a 'kompang' group started beating
their 'kompangs' and entered the garden. The bridegroom, dressed in blue
'kain songket' and looking like a Malay prince, arrived next, his
retinue of young men, and took his place
on the dais. Later, the bride, dressed also in blue 'songket kebaya' and
'sarung', arrived looking beautiful. Her jewellery sparkled in the light. In
her hair were sweet-scented flowers and 'bunga goyang' which glistened
visibly. She looked like a princess and sat next to the bridegroom.
Then the 'kadi' said prayers and everyone was ready for the 'kenduri'.
The dinner had all the traditional dishes of 'beriyani', 'kurma', 'dalcha'
with salad and' 'rendang'. After a sweet dessert, a 'Bunga Telur' was
presented to each guest. It consisted of an egg placed in a small, decorated
basket with flowers on top. Malay music was played throughout the function
and guests were entertained to some cultural shows.
Then it was time to go home. We had enjoyed a hearty meal, blessed the
blissful couple and were ready to leave the place. |
