Myanmar is a peaceful land where various national races reside in unity. Each national race has its own traditional customs and people are preserving their own traditions.

Among various culture and traditions, we would like to present an interesting event, traditional matrimony of Khamti Shans who lives in Putao Township. The matrimony begins by the coordination of the groom’s parents with family members about it. After that, they send wedding expense what they call the cost for betel via two messengers to the bride’s home and ask for her parents’ agreement.

The bride’s parents then discuss with their family members. If they agree, they designate the wedding date and left messengers report it back to the groom’s parents.

There, the groom’s parents prepare necessities for the wedding and send them to the bride’s home with the procession led by two children who are striking gongs. The sound of the gongs make people convince that the matrimony will be held successfully. The bride’s family is awaiting them. And they give what they have brought to the bride’s parents. The groom’s side is responsible for wedding expenses. In line with their tradition, the bride’s parents distribute packs of glutinous rice to their friends and relatives as a token of an invitation.

That’s an interesting tradition. Khamti Shans are those who fond of elephants. That’s why, on the auspicious occasions, they use elephants. On the wedding day, after dressing up, the bride is sent to the groom’s place by her friends, family members and relatives. This time also, two children lead the procession striking gongs. That’s the gesture of the start of the matrimony. Although the matrimony is held with the agreement of the bride’s parents, her parents do not attend the ceremony. Instead of the parents, the honoured elders among their relatives manage the matrimony. That’s their unique custom. The bride’s elder brother also attends the ceremony riding on an elephant wearing a golden umbrella. Other wise, her uncle can take that responsibility. And her two aunts make arrangements on behalf of her mothers.

On arrival at the groom’s house, the bride has to cut the thread tied between two sugarcane plants by passing through it. It’s their believe that their plans will be successful and they will be able to overcome any difficulty they may encounter in life by doing so.

The guests are warmly welcomed by the groom’s family. Eggs put in leaves are offered to the bride’s elder brother, uncle and her two aunts as a wedding gift. Her elder brother and uncle are treated as special guests, by serving food in their traditional food stand. According to their tradition, they serve meals with traditional food stand only to the vital persons of the ceremony.

Then, matrimonial verses are read for the bride and groom in light of the groom’s parents. That signifies legal acknowledgement of the bride and groom as man and wife. Then the elders tie the spirit hands at their wrists with the believe that it will bind them forever and make a happy wedded life.

The bride and groom accept traditional costumes as wedding gifts. According to their tradition, they pay respect to the bride’s parents 7-days after their matrimony.

There are many different ways of matrimonial ceremonies of various national races residing in Myanmar. Among them, the custom of Khamti Shans is interestingly unique. So, we have presented this program for you to be able to enjoy the unique and interesting matrimonial ceremony of Khamti Shans.