Invited to a Lanna wedding today. No monks attended and the ceremony was conducted by the same village elder who officiates at all local weddings. The marriage is symbolic and regarded as more important than the signing of documents which will take place later at the local amphur registration office – maybe months later – when the marriage becomes legal.
The hands of the bride and groom are tied together with a white cord signifying the bond to which they have both now agreed. They are led, with cheers from all the guests, to a bedroom. Despite the obvious implication of going to a room away from prying eyes, they have only time to change into less formal clothes and join their family and friends for a celebratory meal.
There are many surprising customs in Thailand.
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