My house welcomed 3 pairs of newly weds for this thing newly weds do which is called 'sembah-sembah'.

Now, what is the rationale behind this tradition? Simple, it's to announce to your relatives that you're newly married and to introduce your partner. Some will do so coz they want to seek marriage advice from the more experienced elders.

The usual practice is this - the newly weds will visit wearing traditional clothes (sopan kan), bring some goodies like cakes or bananas or what have you to be presented as a gift to the host. They will usually bring along their wedding albums for view, and before leaving, marriage advice is sought from the elders.

I wasn't around when the first two couples came due to work, but I was told that they wore normal casual clothes, didn't have anything for the hosts, AND, didn't even bother seeking advice from the elders of the house. SO...what was the purpose then? To show us their wedding album, and to introduce their partners, whom we already know, duh. I was having a discussion with Mum and Dad, and Mum was like, 'Seburuk2 anak ibu pon, ibu rasa ibu didik anak ibu dengan penuh adat. Takmolah anak2 ibu datang rumah orang sembah2 pakai jeans dengan tshirt aje. Tak manis, tak macam pengantin baru sey.' Ceh, ber 'sey-sey' pulak ibu aku ni eh.

Dad was being more 'open-minded', saying that he doesn't mind what they wear, as long as the purpose is served. No point travel so far, and leave without any words of wisdom. What a loss, don't you think?

On the contrary, the other couple came with the bride wearing a sweet white baju kurung, and presented us with cakes and goodies, ON a SELF-MADE TRAY, complete with ribbon decos. Nevermind that they ride a bike, they still bothered to follow traditions. THAT is something to be proud of. And of course, they listened attentively to what Mum and Dad has to say.


The exemplary couple.

In short, this is something to be learnt, to take a leaf out of, especially since I will be going through that experience soon. It's a once-in-a-lifetime thing, so why not do it prim and proper.



*Adik, I finished the Polar almond cookies. Sedapp!

And she waves goodbye...

11:32 pm