This section depicts some of the scenes from one of
PhotoMann's most harrowing adventures.... the traditional Thai Wedding.
The event took place on 27 November 1996 in Chiang Mai, Thailand. It
was an experience to remember for all in attendance especially my farang
guests.
The day started with Roongnapa's family and friends
picking up PhotoMann and his guests at the hotel for the short trip
to her neighborhood. Once there, we had a procession through the neighborhood
to her house. Descriptions accompany the images below to give you a
idea of what occured that day.
The photography is by various individuals. These
are the only images at this site not taken by PhotoMann.
Roongnapa & PhotoMann
This formal protrait of Roongnapa & PhotoMann in their
wedding clothes was taken at a studio in the night market. The clothes
were custom tailored and were all silk.
Procession
The procession lead by the bride and groom's families
proceeds down the driveway.
Silver Gate
The Silver Gate was the first of three symbolic obstacles
that PhotoMann had to negotiate (bribe) his way through. In this picture
the women holding the silver chain let me know that the coins I offered
were inadequate.
Procession Continues
Having made his way through the first obstacle, PhotoMann
continues towards his destination.
Gold Gate
The Gold Gate confronted PhotoMann at the door to the
house. Again the coin trick (tossed in the window) didn't work. After
further negotiation entry to the house was finally achieved.
Beginning of Ceremony
Immediate Family
Here is some of our immediate family who were shoe-horned into the house
with many other guests.
Presenting Bowls
PhotoMann's mother presents the Khaan Maak (betel bowl)
which included our rings plus a bracelet and necklace to Roongnapa's
uncle. The Khaan Maak was decorated with fresh flowers and contained
nuts, gold leaves, silver leaves, copper leaves, rice and sesame seeds,
and beans. Each item has it's own symbolic meaning.
The Khaan Ngern Sinsord (dowery bowl) was also presented
to the bride's uncle by PhotoMann's step-mother.
Exchanging Rings
The Wai
We Wai each other after exchanging the rings.
Presenting a bracelet and necklace
PhotoMann's mom puts a bracelet and necklace from the
Khaan Maak on the bride.
Khaan Ngern Sinsord
The bride's uncle opens the dowry (bride gift) bowl.
Reading the check
The amount of the bride gift check was read to the guests.
This is where PhotoMann cried :-)!
Pook Mue
Members of both sides of the family starting with the
elders line up to tie the sacred cord (Pook Mue) around the bride's
and groom's wrists. Then other guests had the opportunity. This went
on for about 30 minutes which was about 20 minutes longer than it took
PhotoMann's legs to go to sleep!
In this picture PhotoMann's parents tie the cord.
Pook Mue
PhotoMann's brother ties the cord.
Another Pook Mue
The bride's sister does the honor.
All Tied Up
The bride and groom are all tied up! This includes the
Sai Monkon on our heads. The Sai Monkon forms two linked but independent
circles made of white cord (the chain). It's symbolic of retaining individual
identity but destinies are linked.
Also visible is the large number of sacred cords tied
on our wrists... there were a lot! We had to keep them on our wrists
for three days before removing them without cutting.
Standing Up
Getting up after sitting in one position for 45+ minutes
was quite a trick! PhotoMann's brother makes sure he doesn't fall over.
Going to Hong Haw
The family elders lead the bride and groom to the bedroom
(Hong Haw).
Greeting
PhotoMann's brother greets the bride and groom in the Hong Haw.
Portrait
The Honeymoon Begins
Just kidding.... the bride kisses the groom.
Posing with family
PhotoMann and Roongnapa pose with the brides's sister,
a neice and a couple nephews.
Brides Family
This is only a portion of her family that was in attendance.
PhotoMann's Family
Party Bound
Let the party begin! Although roughly 50 guests were
in attendance at the ceremony in Roongnapa's house the party to follow
outside had almost 300 people. The last of the guests didn't leave till
1130pm.... the day started before 8am. It was a very long day!
Greeting the Guests
PhotoMann and Roongnapa individually greeted the guests
and presented them with a souvenier of the event (a black laquer elephant
with our names in gold leaf). In exchange, most guests gave us an envelope.
Posing with Guests
Greeting part of PhotoMann's family
PhotoMann's Brother is Toast
In this picture Dave is being force-fed a glass of whisky!
For more information on the Northern Thai Wedding Ceremony visit
Welcome to
Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai Magazine
Suggested Thailand Travel Guides
(Order Through Amazon Books - Click on the book name)
Insight
Pocket Guides Thailand
The Insight Pocket Guide series of books is my favorite
for short stays at any destination. The book highlights the must see
destinations in full day and half day itineraries. This includes detailed
maps and suggested walking routes. This Thailand guide is a must have
especially for a short visit. Insight also published individual guides
for Chiang
Mai and Phuket
but they're currently out of print.
Lonely
Planet Thailand (8th Ed)
As with most Lonely Planet guides, this Thialand edition
is an invaluable resource for planning your journey. It offers you
the most up-to-date information about where to go and where to aviod,
how to get there and get around, where to stay at a reasonable rate.
The guide provides everything you'll need to know for a rewarding
visit.
Fodor's
Thailand
A lively, graphic, full-color guidebook to Thailand. The
author provides solid travel reporting on every region including what
to see and do plus recommended tours. It's rating system identifies
the not-to-be-missed sights.
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