Marriage in the Minangkabau Culture

by Bouchra

There are many steps of marriage with minangkabau culture. First step is called Maminang dan Batimbang Tando, in this step man and his family will come to the girl's house to purpose her, Usually it needs a gift for engagement but it doesn't have to be ring, it can be a promise. And wedding day can be deciding by both of them. Second step called Mamintak Izin dan Mahanta Siriah. In this step man will inform about marriage to his relatives. And the same will be done by the girl to her relatives. Usually during this step man will bring some nipah leaves and for girl, she will bring betel leaves. Each relatives will be visited and will be informed about the marriage. And next step is called Malam Bainai. This step is where the girl will use henna to her hands before marriage. And next step is Marriage contract or Akd. Usually they do it in mousqe or in girl's house. And the last step is called Basandiang Bila where both of them will sit in front of guests in wedding day.