Fiji

You are in Fiji. You have to meet one of the locals. Here is how to greet properly. You just say Bula. Bula in Fijian language means „health" or „life".

In Fiji it is a tradition that young man is asking girl's father for her hand. He brings a special present. If possible it is a whale's tooth. It is a symbol of wealth, status in society.

Fijian people wearing traditional clothes 

Let's assume that the young man got a positive response. His next step is to make some food. He has to send it to the bride's family. This is called „warming". Just before the wedding bride is tattooed. Having tattoos is sign of beauty in Fiji.

One of the essential parts of any wedding party in Fiji is a very popular drink called Kava. It is brewed from the crushed root of the Kava plant (Piper methysticum).
Ceremonial drinking of Kava is called Yagona.

Yagona - Ceremonial drinking of Kava 

In the past Kava was prepared by young village girls. They chewed the pieces of raw root. The soft pulp they created was then mixed with water.

Nowadays head of the ceremony mixes the powdered root with water in a big wooden bowl known as Tanoa. The root is strained through a cloth. When Kava is ready, the man claps with cupped hands.

Guests sit crossed legged on the floor. Each guest in turn is offered a bilo, a small bowl made from half of a coconut, containing Kava. The guest must clap before and after drinking.

Kava should not be spilled. It should be drunk in one continuous sip. Kava is thought to be antidepressant, good for fighting migraine headache and cramps. Kava is included in local riddles, chants, jokes etc.

*culled from www.traditionscustoms.com

Fiji Holidays and Festivals

Fiji is as famous for its festive people and events as it is for its island getaways. This stunning archipelago is awash in fun-filled celebrations throughout the year. Generally influenced by Fiji's astonishing natural landscape, historical happenings, or cultural traditions, visitors can get a taste of exciting Pacific heritage at the Hibiscus Festival which lasts for several days. Alternatively, you can try to catch the similar yet subtly different Fiji holiday, the Bula Festival in July.

Outrigger International Competition

Fiji is a sporting nation, and for its size, does particularly well on the global scale. The Outrigger International Competition is the main event in Nadi each year which draws hundreds of competitors and thousands of spectators. Other sporting events like the Fiji marathon are also held during this time.

Fiji International Jazz and Blues Festival

Port Denarau is host to the Fiji International Jazz and Blues Festival. It spans three days in May and welcomes many local and international jazz and blues musicians to perform. Australian, American, European, and New Zealand musicians make up most of the performers. The festival is a great time visit Port Denarau as the sights and sounds of the event are unmatched during the rest of the year.

Honoring the Founder of Modern Fiji Festival

The last Monday in May is a commemoration to the Father of Modern Fiji, Ratu Sir Lala Sakuna. The festivities last for an entire week, with many different towns and cities celebrating in their own way. The event concludes with a presidential speech relating to Fijian unity, and the statue of Ratu Sir Lala Sakuna is polished by locals.

World Music Festival

Fiji is the heart of the Pacific music culture. Each year in June, the World Music Festival packs the city of Suva. Bands from across the world and some local come to the city to showcase their exciting musical talents. Reggae is popular during this time, as is traditional Fiji music. It only started in 2006, but has grown considerably since then.

Bula Festival

Held across several days in mid-July, the Bula Fiji Festival is a fantastic celebration of the island nation's heritage. Singing and dancing take center stage in the city of Nadi, and a parade is usually the spotlight of the event. At the end of the celebrations, a young woman is crowned Miss Bula for the year.

Hibiscus Festival

The event is held in several areas around Fiji in the month of August and has recently spread to other Pacific Islands nations. The Miss Hibiscus title is a coveted part of the event, drawing thousands of entrants from across the Fiji islands. In addition, local arts, crafts, sports, music, food, dance, and songs are exhibited throughout the festival.

Diwali Festival

Due to Fiji's large Indian population, the Diwali Festival is one of the main events held on the islands. Celebrated in the month of October, Diwali (which is also known as the Festival of Lights) is characterized by fantastic light shows, traditional firecracker displays, and plenty of night-time fun. It isn't just the Indian population that gets into the swing of things, as all cultures love any excuse to party.

*culled from www.iexplore.com

Cook Islands - Food and Restaurants

Polynesian and international cuisine is widely available on the Cook Islands. The most developed, such as Rarotonga and Aitutaki, are home to a variety of cafés, clubs and restaurants serving everything from traditional to modern fusion dishes. Local islanders and visitors alike enjoy an abundance of seafood, especially shellfish. All ingredients are sourced fresh, including fruits and vegetables.

Dining out is particularly interesting during "Island Nights," which are Polynesian dance shows accompanied by a local feast.

Umukai' , a succulent dish cooked in a special underground oven, is a must try, along with many other local specialties like ika mata , raw fish cooked with coconut milk and finely chopped vegetables and curried eke , octopus in coconut curry. Ungakoa is a type of shellfish, eaten as you would an oyster (cooked or raw). It is often served with cooked taro (green banana).

White crabs are another Cook Islands specialty, and are often garnished or served with grated coconut and/or cheese. Poke is a traditional pudding made from different types of fruit, commonly banana and pawpaw that is cooked with coconut milk. Most local restaurants serve these traditional plates, but a number also feature Indian, Chinese, continental, and Italian. There are bars that offer live entertainment and nightspots stay open late, past midnight on the weekends.

Bars and Pubbing in the Cook Islands

Aside from the usual Island Nights put on by major hotels, a number of licensed bars also offer live entertainment and quality wines, spirits and cocktails.

Whatever Bar and Grill (Ara Tap, Avarua) is a truly unique place that should not be missed. It is located just off the main road heading out of the capital, on a rooftop overlooking the town and the harbor. This hip place attracts night owls of all ages and is at its liveliest on Fridays and Saturdays.

If you are looking for good value on the Cook Islands, head to Staircase Restaurant and Bar (Avarua, Rarotonga) on a Thursday or Friday for a host of live bands and DJs. Rehab (Avarua, Rarotonga) keeps things modern with its discotheque ambiance, complete with thumping music and strobe lights.

Hideaway Bar (Cook's Corner Arcade, Avarua), tucked away in a little corner on Avarua's coast features live music and international DJs. There are many other bars and clubs elsewhere on Rarotonga, as well as on Aitutaki (Cook Island's second largest island).

Dining and Cuisine in the Cook Islands

Beachside dining is always a pleasure, but it is especially satisfying on the secluded sands of the Cook Islands. Les Palmiers Café and Grill on Muri Beach (Muri, Rarotonga) is one of the most popular restaurants. Its traditional décor will remind you of the tropical gardens and waterfalls of the Te Vara Nui Village. It offers first-class meals that are a fusion of Mediterranean and European recipes. On the menu are succulent seafood, grilled meats, fresh salads, mouthwatering desserts, crepes, coffees, smoothies, homemade gelato, and unique cocktails.

Best known for its local offerings, Vaima Restaurant (Vaimaanga, Rarotonga) is a popular setting for all kinds of functions, from parties to weddings. This restaurant offers fresh local fish, as well as imported New Zealand meat, homemade desserts, and plenty of vegetarian options. It has a bar with a large TV and a long wine list, and is the place to go on the Cook Islands if you are craving a shot of Scottish whisky.

The beautiful Aitutaki Island has its own share of top notch restaurants and cafés, starting from Koru Café (Aitutaki), which has a delicious menu of Chinese, Italian and Thai, filling breakfasts, and picnic lunches and barbecue packs for a day out. It is located on the way to the stunning Ootu Beach, and is a perfect pit stop before heading to the sandy shores.

Rapae Bay Restaurant (Amuri, Aitutaki) specializes in South Pacific cuisine and seafood and is one of the best hotel restaurants on the Cook Islands, overlooking the lagoon and the beach.

*culled from www.iexplore.com

Cook Islands Wedding - The Legal Side

Legally it is a very straightforward process to have a wedding in the Cook Islands for citizens from New Zealand, Australia, the United States, Canada, and most European countries. However some countries may require more documentation than mentioned below, so we recommend that you check with your country's marriage licensing department or agency if in anyway unsure of what is required.

Cook Islands weddings and marriage licenses are internationally recognized and legally binding worldwide, as the Cook Islands are one of over ninety countries that have ratified The Hague Convention which recognizes that governments can legalise documents intended for use in other countries where they are required with an apostille, or seal. Marriage licenses are one such type of document that requires an apostille.

The legal age of consent to marry and have a Cook Islands wedding is 20 years, otherwise written approval by parents is required.

Applications for a Wedding licence cannot be made outside the Cook Islands and must be made in person to the Registrar of Marriages in the Cook Islands at least 3 business working days prior to the marriage, however this time period can be shortened for a nominal fee.

The following documents are required:

*Your full passport and birth certificates will be required when filling out the "Notice of Intended Marriage" at the Registrar's Office.

*A copy of the Decree Absolute if divorced
If you have been widowed you will need to provide the Death Certificate of your spouse.

*All documentation must be in English or translated into English.

*You may choose either a wedding celebrant (non-religious) or a Minister to perform the ceremony at your Cook Islands wedding.

Religious denominations in the Cook Islands include the Cook Island Christian Church, Methodist, Presbyterian, Anglican, Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints, Seventh Day Adventist, Roman Catholic, Apostolic, Assembly of God, Jehovah Witness and Baha'i.

You can choose to get married on one of our magical beaches or tropical gardens, an uninhabited islet in the lagoon, a local church, or at your resort, such as the white sandy beach outside Sea Change Villas, complete with their "island famous" coconut heart.

Your wedding ceremony can simply be the two of you and your celebrant, along with two witnesses for signing the marriage register, through to a full wedding party and guests. You can choose to wear traditional wedding attire, or you may go for a more Polynesian style of dress or tropical island feeling - complete with bare feet.

When arranging your flights you have to take into account that, ideally, you need to be in the Cook Islands for at least three working days prior to your planned wedding date to complete the necessary legal requirements and paperwork.

For New Zealanders and Australians you have to extra vigilant when planning your travel as you fly through the international dateline to get to Rarotonga, which means you literally go back a day in time.

We strongly recommend that you work with a local Cook Islands wedding planner to ensure that 'all your bases are covered' - they are knowledgeable and effective, so ensuring you enjoy a stress free build up to your wedding day.

All the larger resorts have their own wedding organisers, but there are also several independent wedding planners, such as Wedded Bliss, who work with many Cook Islands Wedding accommodations , including the luxurious resort of Sea Change Villas for your wedding. They will take care of everything for you which includes advice and pre-planning prior to your arrival in Rarotonga, your personal consultation after arrival, transport to and from the Justice Department for your licence application, and take charge of all the other arrangements ensuring that your special day is truly memorable – and stress free.

Sea Change Villas offer a choice of Cook Islands wedding packages from a simple ceremony right through to a full luxury package with all the trimmings.

Wedded Bliss at Sea Change Villas.

*culled from www.sea-change-rarotonga.com

Cook Islands Holidays and Festivals

Celebrations are an integral part of the preservation of culture on the Cook Islands. In addition to local Cook Islands holidays that mark historic dates, many interesting events are held throughout the year to showcase fascinating traditions, important art forms and promote camaraderie and solidarity amongst the islanders with dance and music.

Dancer of the Year (Te Mire Ura) Contest

One of the most popular events of the year, the Cook Islands dance-off is held annually at the National Auditorium of Rarotonga sometime in April or May. Bringing together some of the best dancers from across the land, the competition is divided by age group, from juniors to intermediates, seniors, and the "golden ladies."

International Kite Surfing Contest

Held on Aitutaki in late June, the International Kite Surfing Contest is an annual festival that celebrates the rich natural gifts of the Cook Islands. The event attracts kite surfing enthusiasts and competitors from all over the world.

Whale Watching Season

Those who want to catch a glimpse of the gigantic whales that grace the shoreline should visit between the months of July and October. The waters are swarmed by gentle giants that show-off their aquatic skills, playfully flipping and jumping.

Te Maeva Nui

This cultural holiday on August 4 marks the annual celebration of the Cook Islands' self-rule, which was granted in 1965. The festival is a fusion of musical and dance extravaganzas, costume showcases, craft and art exhibits, and an exciting array of food that revolve around a different theme each year.

Tiare Festival

The Tiare Festival is an annual flower show held in Rarotonga in October. Among the highlights are the Miss Tiare Pageant and the Young Warrior Contest.

Gospel Days

Gospel Days celebrates the missions that brought Christianity to the Cook Islands. It is commemorated on October 26 with all kinds of presentations and dramatic religious reenactments.

Turama

Turama is the local celebration of All Saints' and All Souls' Day, which sees family members decorate the graves of loved ones with flowers and candles. People gather in cemeteries and share stories, usually after attending a requiem mass at the Avarua Cathedral. While not exactly a festive occasion, this November 1 event is an important part of the Cook Islands culture.

Vaka Eiva

Vaka Eiva or the Canoeing Festival is held during mid-November. The annual event hosts races around Rarotonga and attracts more than 850 competitors, divided into 100 teams. The winners receive the prestigious Pacific Cup.

*culled from www.iexplore.com

The Modern Bride's Guide To Traditional Wedding Customs

Although, as time passes by, weddings are becoming more and more personalised and modern, there are still matrimonial traditions that we hang onto. But when it comes to your own big day, which traditions will you hold steady to, and which will you buck? We've sorted out sentimental from obsolete, and sweet from scary.

*THE BOUQUET TOSS*

Then: One of the most well-known traditions in the wedding world is the 'bouquet toss', where the bride will take her bouquet and blindly toss it over her shoulder to the single women present at the wedding—whoever catches the flowers will be the next to marry, or so says tradition.

Now: Although most brides and groom still participate in this one as a fun part of their day, the modern bride has begun leaning away from giving away one of her most sentimental accessories from her wedding. Now there are options to have a second 'tossing bouquet' for the bride, in order to keep her original flowers.

*THE GARTER TOSS*

Then: Similarly to the bouquet, the garter (a lace band of fabric that sits on the upper thigh) is also meant to be tossed—here to the single men of the party (or sometimes, to the partner of whomever catches the bouquet). This stems from a tradition where men and women at the wedding would rush at the bride and rip her wedding dress—retaining part of the dress was a sign of good luck.

Now: Like the bouquet, garter tosses are still common practice in the modern world—although they are not so violent as in the past and not as popular as the bouquet. Some women find they aren't comfortable with the removal process and choose to skip it altogether.

*GIVING AWAY THE BRIDE*

Then: Way back when, brides were 'given away' (literally) on their wedding days as they were still considered to be the 'property' of their fathers. In exchange for a dowry, they were then 'handed' to their new family at the wedding.

Now: Fortunately the 'giving away' tradition has morphed itself in a more family-friendly ordeal, with the process taking on a sentimental meaning rather than a literal one. Some brides still like to incorporate their fathers in this way, whilst some like to involve their mothers as well. It is now also common practice for the bride to walk down the aisle on her own.

*CARRYING THE BRIDE OVER THE THRESHOLD*

Then: Kinda like the whole 'giving away' the bride thing, carrying the bride over the threshold is also a relic of a time past when brides were not always so keen on the marriage gig and therefore had to be forcefully taken into the house. Ancient Romans also believed that bad spirits lurked in the doorways of newlyweds' houses as a last-ditch effort to curse them, so the groom carried the bride over the threshold so that the spirits didn't enter her through her feet (fun!).

Now: If done at all, this one is just a fun tradition to add into the day (and it shows off how strong your new husband is—bonus).

*NOT SEEING THE BRIDE BEFORE THE WEDDING*

Then: It's a very common superstition that it is bad luck to see the bride in her wedding dress before the wedding. This is a remnant of a time when marriages were more on the arranged side and were counted more as business deals then acts of love. If a family was marrying off their daughter in exchange for lands, goods or titles, not seeing the bride before the wedding took away the chance of the groom backing out if he considered her not attractive enough (yeesh).

Now: Thankfully (and hopefully), nowadays most grooms are familiar with what their wives-to-be look like before they marry them, so the original function of this tradition is defunct. However, some couples choose to incorporate it as they still believe in the bad luck superstition, or they believe it makes seeing the bride walking down the aisle more emotional and memorable.

*WEARING A WHITE WEDDING DRESS*

Then: Up until the 1800s, it was common practice for the bride to wear a coloured wedding dress—reds, blues and yellows were particularly popular. However, after Queen Victoria married Prince Albert in 1840 wearing a white court dress, the popularity of white dresses rose. Thereafter they became associated with purity and virginity and were then standard.

Now: Since Queen Victoria's historic dress, the white dress has cemented itself as the go-to for wedding dresses. However coloured dresses are rising in popularity in modern times.

*HAVING BRIDESMAIDS*

Then: In the past bridesmaids were included in the wedding ceremony for two reasons, one being to confuse both vengeful spirits and jealous suitors (what's the difference, are we right?) by dressing in similar dresses and donning veils in likeness to the bride. Thus, if a suitor and/or angry spirit turned up, they wouldn't know which was the bride. Second, traditionally 10 witnesses were required to validate the marriage, bridesmaids and groomsmen were necessary for this.

Now: Nowadays the practice is a lot less scary. Bridesmaids are there for emotional and practical support and are usually family members or close friends. (The matching bridesmaid dresses tradition is still alive, however, although not for the confusion reason).

*HAVING GROOMSMEN*

Then: Back when 'marriage by capture' (AKA kidnapping) was still popular, groomsmen were not chosen for their emotional attachments to the groom, but for their strength. If the bride protested to the marriage, the groomsmen were there to physically fight off her family, allowing the groom to escape with his bride.

Now: It's a lot less sinister nowadays, and more about mateship then kidnapping.

*WEARING A VEIL*

Then: Like both the 'not seeing the bride before the wedding' tradition and the 'using bridesmaids to confuse people' tradition, the veil was used to hide the bride's face for both modesty, purity and for not-making-the-groom-run-away purposes. In some ancient cases, the white veil over the bride's face represented her 'purity', and was only lifted by the groom when they went to consummate the marriage.

Now: Now bridal veils have a much less ominous purpose and are usually just accessories. Lifting the veil usually occurs at the beginning of the ceremony and is done by either the groom or the bride herself.

*'SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW, SOMETHING BORROWED, SOMETHING BLUE'*

Then: Although it's not known for sure, the superstition of "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue" is thought to have been to assist brides in warding off the Evil Eye—the Evil Eye's purpose being to curse the bride's fertility. The 'old' and 'new' counterparts were to confuse the Evil Eye, whereas the 'borrowed' item was meant to be an undergarment from a woman who had already had a child—therefore protecting the bride against barrenness. The 'blue' part is usually thought to be a good luck charm.

Now: Thankfully now this tradition is just a fun addition to the day.

*SHOWERING THE NEWLYWEDS WITH RICE*

Then: In the olden days showering the newlyweds with rice (as well as oats, grains and dried corn) was to wish them prosperity, good luck and fortune.

Now: Now it's just good fun—rice is often overlooked for nicer and prettier alternatives like flower petals, streamers, confetti or sprinkles.

*culled from www.elle.com.au

Australia Holidays and Festivals

Known for loving life and living in the moment, there are many Australia holidays and festivals of culture. From regular Saturday afternoon barbecues locals host each week to the large, national celebrations that occur several times a year, Australian festivals and events are becoming world renowned. Sports are a massive part of the culture as is the indigenous heritage that proudly remains after more than two centuries of European influence. Visitors can experience 'footy madness' during Melbourne's Aussie Rules grand final soccer day in September. Or, perhaps the Brisbane Festival in October will entice.

Australia Day

Australia Day commemorates the anniversary of the first fleet landing on January 26, 1788. Head to the nearest beach or park for a fun-filled day of barbecues, celebrations, and evening fireworks. Even though indigenous Australians generally don't celebrate this day, most of Australia views this as the year's most anticipated event. Since the first fleet landed at Sydney Cove, the area around the Sydney Opera House, Circular Quay, and the Harbour Bridge is where the most extravagant celebrations are held.

Sydney Mardi Gras

Every year between the end of February and the first Saturday of March, Sydney's Darlinghurst district transforms into the heart of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras festival. Attracting millions from around the globe, art and cultural events including a massive parade dominate. Visitors of all sexual preference are known to have a grand time.

Dreaming Festival

Held in the small town of Woodford, just a 90 minute drive from Brisbane, the Dreaming Festival is a national showcase that puts this small town on the map. Held in June over three days, this event highlights the best of indigenous culture, including craft workshops, dancing, music, cooking events, and storytelling.

AFL Grand Final Day

On the third Saturday in September, Melbourne braces itself for the most anticipated sporting event in the country—the AFL Grand Final. Just being in Melbourne during this time is spectacular, but having tickets to the game is astounding. The color, the shows, the soccer, and the non-stop buzz is almost unseen anywhere else in the world.

Brisbane Festival

A beautiful city and a great place to visit anytime in the year, Brisbane is especially memorable in September and October when the Brisbane Festival attracts millions. From the grand fireworks opening Riverfest, to the cultural performances within South Bank, this celebration lasts for several weeks, and possesses something for everyone.

Melbourne International Arts Festival

For 17 days in October, Melbourne is on show to the world. Its international arts festival is a bustling and thriving event that showcases dance, music, art, and other cultural performances. Fitzroy Gardens, Southbank, Federation Square, and the Botanical Gardens are just some of the hosting arenas spread around town.

Melbourne Cup – Spring Racing Carnival

Known as the 'race that stops a nation,' the Melbourne Cup has become a significant event on the Australian calendar. The country's greatest sporting event is held on the first Tuesday in November at Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne. Fashion plays a major role and several racing carnivals are held outside of the main event, including Derby Day and Oaks Day.

New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve in Australia is big. Rivaling New Year celebrations in London, Paris, New York and Rio, Sydney Harbour comes alive during this event. Music, food, fireworks, light shows and more are found before and after the coming of the New Year. However, tourists can also find celebrations occurring along beaches, river banks and community areas throughout Australia.

*culled from www.iexplore.com

Contemporary Vietnamese Traditional Weddings

The pace of change

Modern traditional weddings in Vietnam differ significantly to those in the past. The most obvious change is the cost – the social pressure of 'face' leads some families to spend up to the equivalent of ten year's salary. Another obvious difference is the average age of the couple.

In the past, a groom of 20 with an 18-year-old bride would be considered an ideal couple. Today, education, a degree of female emancipation, and the need to pursue a career have raised the figures by five or even ten years for middle-class city dwellers. Working class couples tend to marry earlier.

Contemporary beliefs

The tradition of matchmaking has largely faded away, but most parents have firm views – were they to decide that the prospective spouse was unsuitable, most young people would accept the verdict and break off the relationship.

Some young people seek the services of an astrologer in advance to determine whether their future liaison will be successful. If the result were negative, most would withdraw.

Women a couple of years over 30 are considered to be past their sell-by date – for men, it's a about 35. The possibility of being left on the shelf is frightening, especially for women. As the deadline draws nearer, individuals' and families' criteria become looser – better an unsuitable partner than no partner!

Arranging the marriage

The first stage of marriage is usually when the young man's parents consult a fortune-teller to see whether the couple is destined to live together as husband and wife. If so, he will formally request the young woman's hand.

The actual request is made by a party comprising the young man's parents, or aunt and uncle if he is an orphan, and a go-between who go to meet the young woman's parents. The party takes gifts such as betel leaves and areca nuts, and asks what the family requires for their daughter's hand. The young woman's parents will usually ask for a sum of money to cover the costs of the marriage preparations.

The engagement

The next stage in the process is the engagement, which, once the consent has been given, usually follows several months after. However, in some circumstances such as university or one partner working abroad, it can be much longer.

Vietnamese people believe that some days are particularly auspicious, so choosing appropriate days for the engagement and the wedding is another task for the fortune-teller.

If the fiancée or her family breaks off the engagement for any reason, all of the gifts must be returned to the young man's family. If the fiancé backs out before the big day, her family keeps them.

The engagement is a solemn ceremony. On the day, the young man will travel with his family to the young woman's house bearing gifts of betel nuts, cake, wine, cigarettes and so on. Young women wear red ao dais and a banquet is held after formal rituals are performed before the ancestral altar. The engagement ceremony is a chance for the young woman's family to meet their future son-in-law.

The wedding day

The final stage is the wedding day. Traditionally, the couple must stay apart on the day before to prevent bad luck. On the night before, the bride's mother will tend her daughter's hair with several combs.

Every comb means something, but the most important is the third comb – at that time she will ask for luck and happiness her new home.

On the big day, the bride's family and invited guests assemble at her house to await the arrival of the bridegroom. Shortly before the groom's party is due, the bride slips away to don her wedding dress.

Gifts from the groom's family
The groom's parents and immediate relatives are preceded by an odd number of young men smartly dressed in shirt and tie, and dark trousers. They each carry a tray covered in a red cloth, or alternatively a large red and gold canister, containing gifts of betel leaves, areca nuts, wine, fruit, cakes, tea and so on.

In the past, they would have walked, but today most wedding parties opt for cars and change to cyclos for the last part of the journey.

Red is the dominant colour in a traditional Vietnamese wedding – it's considered a lucky colour and will lead to a rosy future.

Upon arrival the young men dismount and are met by the same number of young women dressed in red ao dais. The men hand the gifts to the women who take them inside.

Each young woman hands her male counterpart a small amount of money to designate that they are 'working' – there is a superstition that being an unpaid helper at a wedding will mean that you won't marry.

Accepting the gifts

The leading couple of the groom's party enters the bride's house carrying a tray of small cups of wine and invite the brides parents to take a sip. By accepting the toast, the bride's parents symbolically agree to admit the groom's party. A few years ago, this would be accompanied by firecrackers, but many accidents and a subsequent ban put an end to the tradition.

The groom's family introduce themselves and ask permission for their son to marry his bride. A Master of Ceremonies (usually a respected person chosen from the bride's relatives) instructs the bride's parents to present their daughter. The bride then enters. 

Traditionally, this will be a red au dai. 

The groom will wear a dark suit or, more traditionally, a black ao dai.

The ceremony

The wedding ceremony begins in front of the altar. The bride and the groom kneel down and pray, asking their ancestors' permission to be married and their blessing on their family-to-be. The couple then turn around and bow to the bride's parents to thank them for raising and protecting her since birth.

They then bow their heads towards each other to show their gratitude and respect to their soon-to-be husband or wife. The Master of Ceremonies then advises the wedding couple on starting a new family and the two sets of parents take turns to share their experiences and give blessings.

The groom and the bride then exchange wedding rings, and the parents give the newly wedded couple gold bracelets, earrings and other valuable gifts.

The wedding banquet

After the marriage, both wedding parties leave to join guests that were not invited to the marriage ceremony at a large banquet. This is usually a large gathering, often in the hundreds and sometimes more. The groom, bride, and their family are once again introduced to the guests and everyone drinks a toast. Dinner or lunch is served at the table.

During the reception, the groom, bride, and their parents visit each table to thank their guests. In return, the guests give envelopes containing wedding cards, money gifts and a blessing to the newly wedded couple.

After the banquet, the groom's party and the bride leave for the groom's house, where she will live. Later, the bride's party follows to inspect the accommodation – particularly the marital chamber.

*culled from www.salgonstay.wordpress.com

Vietnam Holidays and Festivals

There are countless Vietnam holidays, but they use the lunar calendar so dates vary from year to year in a span of a few months. The Tết festival (Vietnamese New Year) and Tết Trung Thu (Mid-Autumn Festival) are the most popular, but all are a cultural celebration not to miss out. Food is a central focus as all feature special dishes reserved only for major celebrations.

Tết Festival

The most important and busiest festival in Vietnam, everyone returns home to be with their family. For visitors, it is a colorful time, as streets are decorated with lanterns and lights. The celebratory meal consists of four dishes, giò (Vietnamese sausage), ninh (stew), nem (spring rolls), and mọc (meat balls).

Lim Festival

This event takes place every year on the 13th day of the first lunar month in the village of Lim to honor the Quan Ho folk song, which has been part of the culture in the Red River Delta for centuries. This festival features the most skilled singers of the north, but there is also a weaving competition and various other activities.

Hung Temple Festival

Popular with both locals and visitors, this three-day Vietnamese festival runs from the 9th to the 11th of the third lunar month on Nghia Linh Mountain in the northwest. Its focus is to worship the Hung Kings and consists of a feast of fresh fruit, cake, and dumplings, as well as a procession followed by traditional songs and an opera performance.

Whale Festival

Visitors must travel to Quang Nam, west of Da Nang, for this festival, which is held to worship the whale. It is one of the country's biggest water events and is predominately celebrated by fisherman. Houses and boats are decorated, and a procession of ships is led into the sea.

Tết Trung Thu

On the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, many celebrate the harvest by worshipping the Moon genie. It is one of the most impressive festivals in Vietnam and is particularly exiting for children, as they get plenty of toys. Square moon cakes are eaten by all, while children light lanterns and participate in a procession. Lion dancers accompanied by gongs and bells roam the streets.

Oc Om Boc Festival

A religious festival to worship the moon god, he is celebrated for bringing fish to the river and good crops. It takes place in the Mekong Delta on the full moon of the 10th lunar month and starts by offering fresh fruit and rice flakes. Lanterns are released from land and boats, a practice which is meant to rid the area of the humidity and darkness of the rainy season. Thousands of people come to see the boat race.

*culled from www.iexplore.com

Uzbekistan : Want to Marry? See a Doctor

As is well known, young and able-bodied men from Uzbekistan travel to Russia seeking employment en mass every year. Their absence in the country has somewhat impacted ceremonies of one of the most traditional Uzbek rituals—weddings.

For example, for the last several years, young couples willing to join hands and hearts are obliged to pass a thorough medical examination: an HIV test, an examination by a psychiatrist, a drug test, and get a chest X-Ray. If in 2009 and since, many chose to simply bribe doctors for "good results" in order to quickly register the marriage, nowadays, many brides and grooms are serious about these issues and treat a medical examination as an insurance against potential future problems. Brides' relatives are especially prone to insisting on a medical test of future grooms.

"We often hear about people who contracted sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS-positives," a mother of three daughters from Bukhara says. "I am not planning to marry my daughters to a sick person and wreck her life."

Madina, 23, has recently married a labor migrant, who works in Russia's Far East. "I was interested in having him undergo a medical test and not avoid it with bribes," she says. "Young girls here do not have sexual contacts before marriage whereas young men could have intimacy with other women and not be detected. My groom has spent several years in Russia as a labor migrant. And I am completely sure that he had physical intimacy there. Well, it is not safe here [in Uzbekistan]. I have, therefore, insisted he really undergoes the medical test," Madina says about her case.

According to our interlocutor, she and her groom filed an application with the local marriage registrar, where they received a document to take to a medical clinic. "We spent no money on the actual medical examination. We only spent time in line, because there were many young couples there. We have then paid 70,000 soums for registering our marriage," Madina claims.

A Bukhara-based journalist, who was investigating AIDS in Bukhara Region, told Fergana that medical examination findings could result in the cancellation of marriage, should they be positive. 

While marriage registrars do not refuse to register such couples, they still warn them about potential consequences.

"Seventeen soon-to-be couples cancelled marriage plans in Bukhara Region because one of the two was tested AIDS-positive," the journalist, requesting anonymity, told Fergana.

The Uzbek Marriage. Painted by A. Suvorov in 1968. Photo by Artihau

Labor migrants' weddings are almost identical with other "regular" marriages. The differences are guests from Russia, who are always honored guests at weddings. During congratulatory speeches, they often use Russian nicknames for the newly wed couples such as Masha for Madina, or Sasha for Salakhuddin, etc.

The majority of labor migrants want to have their wedding ceremonies held both in Uzbek and Russian. More and more returning labor migrants prefer professional masters of ceremony who keep guests entertained throughout the wedding. DVDs containing wedding ceremonies are always taken back to Russia.

An average wedding with about 300 guests costs the newly wed couples' parents some 5,000 US dollars: restaurant rent, master of ceremony and band fees, first and second course dishes, several kinds of salads, bride gown rent and photo and video recording. Young couples receive plasma TVs, microwave ovens, carpets and other household appliances in gifts during the wedding ceremony. Sometimes people give money in envelopes as gifts.

It is no longer a surprise of a labor migrant return with a Russian wife. Weddings of such couples are no different than those of "regular" couples. It is also no longer a surprise when a returning labor migrant marries an Uzbek woman and then returns to his partner in Russia leaving the Uzbek wife in Uzbekistan.

Photo from Galasvadba.ru

Usually labor migrants return to Uzbekistan late autumn and marry then. Doing so enables them to both marry and recuperate over the winter. They then return to Russia in spring, sometimes with their wife, sometimes leaving them behind. In case a labor migrant cannot afford taking her with himself for whatever reason, the pregnant wife remains at her husband's house until the next late autumn.

*culled from www.enews.fergananews.com

Uzbekistan Holidays and Festivals

There are a number of Uzbekistan holidays and festivals. The largest and liveliest ones feature some form of renewal, such as the New Year, curiously celebrated here by the largely Muslim population with a Christmas tree and a Santa. Each locality naturally has its own festivals, too. One worth seeing is the Boysun Spring Festival in Boysum, deemed by UNESCO to be a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

Navruz

Another New Year celebration held all across Uzbekistan is the Navruz (also Navroz, Nowruz, and many other variations). The word 'navruz' means 'new day' in Iranian, so naturally Navruz is Iranian New Year. Held every March 21, Navruz is an auspicious event for many Uzbeks because it is at this time of year they pin hopes of revival and renewal. All over the country, families and local communities prepare sumptuous feasts for all to enjoy.

Boysun Bahori

Many local or provincial celebrations take place in various parts of Uzbekistan during spring. The biggest and perhaps the most culturally significant event is the Boysun Bahori, or the Boysun Spring Festival. Held in mountainous Boysun in Surkhandarya Province, this festival dates back to pre-Islam times and features costumes, songs, dance performances, storytelling, and other local traditions which have withstood the test of time. This event is so steeped in the region's history and culture that UNESCO has named the Boysun cultural space as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

Shark Taronalari

Shark Taronalari is Uzbekistan's international world music festival. First held in 1997 in Samarkand, the festival has attracted a growing number of performers and participants through the years. It usually takes place every summer. Folk singers who practice traditional musical genres such as uran khai (throat singing) and makom (sacred classical, melodic Uzbek music) come to the festival to perform.

Independence Day

Independence Day, held every September 1, is the biggest national holiday as the entire country remembers the day when it gained its independence and sovereignty after a long era of Soviet occupation. Feasts and shows are held in many cities and towns, but it is in Alisher Navoiy National Park in Tashkent where the main event takes place. From this park, the president addresses the nation, after which performances from the country's singers and actors take place, along with a large fireworks display.

New Year

Uzbeks have a particularly curious New Year festival called the Yillar . Traditions normally carried out during Christmas in other countries take place in Uzbekistan during the New Year. These traditions include putting up what is essentially a Christmas tree with lots of decorations. Uzbeks also exchange gifts during this time and at some feasts, a man in a Santa costume joins in the merriment.

Ramadan and Eid ul-Fitr

As with any Islamic country, Uzbeks also observe Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting, abstinence, and prayer. It culminates in a festival called Eid ul-Fitr, which sees families unite in large celebratory feasts. As these festivals follow the lunar calendar, dates for Ramadan and Eid ul-Fitr change every year.

*culled from www.iexplore.com

Turkmenistan - Food and Restaurants

The cuisine in Turkmenistan is typical of Central Asia, with plov being the main staple. It consists of cubed mutton fried with onions, shredded turnip, and carrot, and served with steamed rice. Mutton also features in most other dishes, such as shashlyk , which is a variant of the kebab (meat and vegetables grilled on a stick), served in non (round unleavened bread, similar to pitta bread). There are dishes that are only found in Turkmenistan, such as ka'urma (mutton deep-fried in its own fat), churban churpa (mutton fat dissolved in green tea), and ishkiykil (dough balls filled with mutton and chopped onion, and traditionally cooked in sand that has been heated by the embers of a fire). 

Mostly, Turkmenistanis like to drink green tea, and you will find this beverage on offer everywhere.

Bars and Pubbing in Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan is not known for its nightlife since outside the large cities exists a quiet, rural way of life, with many Muslims not consuming alcohol. If you happen to find yourself in a sleepy backwater, it can be a novel experience to share a communal bottle of Turkmenbashi vodka with the locals. The liquor is immensely popular in this part of the world, with Turkmenistan producing its own homegrown and much-loved version.

Otherwise, for the best nightlife, you must head to Ashgabat, the capital city. Here, there are a few bar and nightclub options, although the entertainment district is limited. One of the most popular clubs in Ashgabat is Kumush Ay (Gorogly kocesi 8, Ashgabat), which plays typical trance music with booming bass lines, accompanied by strobe lighting. It gets busy on weekends, closing at around 3:00 a.m. You will need to dress smart-casual in order to gain entrance.

Since it is below Kumush Ay nightclub, a good place to start your evening may be the British Pub (Gorogly kocesi 8, Ashgabat). As its name may suggest, this is a regular bar with plenty of seating and a good range of drinks, and is a great place to meet and talk to friends. There is also a bar and nightclub at Hotel Nizza (18b Galkynysh Street, Ashgabat). The dance floor here opens at 11:00 p.m. and requires smart-casual dress.

Dining and Cuisine in Turkmenistan

If you are hungry in Turkmenistan, head to the local bazaar, or market. Here, you will find a choice of typical Turkmen food, which is simple, yet refined, and filling. One of the most popular choices of the locals is manty (dumplings filled with ground meat, onions, and pumpkin). Also commonly eaten is shurpa (meat and vegetable soup) and shashlyk (meat kebabs). If you are vegetarian, you may wish to opt for a samosa (fried savory, triangle shaped pastry which draws culinary influence from southern Asian neighbors) or an ishlykly (spinach filled dumpling). There are plenty of salads on offer, too. Turkmen cuisine does not use a lot of spice, allowing for the natural taste of the component ingredients to come through in the flavor.

If you are in Ashgabat, you will have the widest choice of restaurants.
Here, you will find international cuisine offered alongside typical Turkmen cuisine. One restaurant that stands out against the crowd is Minara (Altyn Asyr Shopping Centre, Ashgabat). It is situated on the fifth floor of a shopping mall and gives wonderful 360° views of the city's most famous green space, Independence Park. Aside from its location, another thing that pulls in the crowds is the menu, which boasts novelties such as 'squirrel salad', 'fish hedgehogs', and 'English cakes with brains'.

Reservations aren't necessary and the restaurant is open late, allowing patrons to sit down for a meal at 11:00 p.m. if they wish.

*culled from www.iexplore.com

Turkmen Traditions

In Turkmenistan, as in other Eastern country , wedding is not possible without national traditions and ceremonies . Religious beliefs and ancient people 's traditions became intertwined in wedding ceremonies . 

Today the traditions lost their original meaning , got the symbolical one , and some traditions transformed into the relative ones. But , on the whole , wedding continue to save the traditional characteristics .

As so often happens in the East, all costs directly related to marriage rest upon the groom ' s family shoulders. Therefore , all relatives of the groom ' s family help in preparation of the wedding .

The tradition of the obligatory ransom for the bride did not lose its actuality . In addition , the groom 's part bears the expenses of the wedding . That is why, if there is a son in the family , the parents begin to lay up money while he is still a minor . A few words should be said concerning the ransom, it is a very good opportunity for girl 's parents to improve their financial position . But still a newborn boy is welcomed more than a girl , as the son stays with his parents after the age and marriage.

In Turkmenistan exactly in nine days before the wedding, the dowry is sent to the groom 's house . The utensils , clothes and carpets are included in the dowry . The dowry was prepared long before , many years beforehand, and it was made by the bride herself.

Sometimes she had no time and her close relatives and friends helped her. 

They might weave and embroider all the necessary for the yurt , as well as the whole complete set of clothes .

Once the wedding procession was one of the brightest moment during the ceremony . The solemn ceremony was gaily decorated . The jingling bells and shawls were hung on the horse harness.

Girls and women in holiday costumes sat on the camels , adorned with magnificent carpets . If in the past camels were as the wedding convoy , but now cars compose the wedding motorcade . In Turkmenistan , instead of traditional balloons and ribbons it is to decorate cars with special scarves.

The traditions of woman wedding costume are rich and diverse. For example , red dress is one of the most widespread variants. The dress from silk homespun fabric – ketene , studded with silver or gilded pendants from the embroidered collar till the hem, it is supplemented with the stylish thrown robe , the coat - breasts of which are covered with the elegant armour and silver ornaments. The bride 's head and hair are decorated with silk embroidered tyubeteika and adornments for plaits : silver chains , bells and pendants . As before , ancient Turkmen jewelry is of special preference in bride's costume . 

Extremely thin on the manufacturing technique and strict in their elegant style , they surround the bride with the aura of mystery . Just as in the past , the robe -cape covers the bride' s head dress, it is almost embroidered with colorful ornaments .

After the end of the wedding , a little more than a month , already married daughter can go to her parents ' house to visit them . In the house of her parents the separate festival is organized . During the festival there is one more ritual. The young bride is dressed in a special attire – red gown in a narrow strip along the vertical . The young woman wears the olive shawl , and she goes back home in this dress .

To this day , the Turkmen wedding has kept the unique atmosphere of ancient traditions, which makes it a wonderful, bright and unusual event.

*culled from www.tourstoturkmenistan.com

Turkmenistan Holidays and Festivals

Turkmenistan is a country at the crossroads of east and west. Most of the major towns and cities that exist today were once trading posts on the old Silk Road, the route which joined the riches of the orient to the lucrative markets in the west. This cultural mix can be seen in the festivals that are celebrated in the country today, such as the ever important Eid al-Fitr, as Muslim festival that is observed by about 90 percent of the population. Turkmenistanis are a proud people and evidence of this can be seen in the Turkmenistan holidays of Independence Day and Memorial Day. For something quirky, look to the Melon Day festival.

Memorial Day

Similar to Veterans' Day that is observed in the US on November 11, and known as Remembrance Day in many English-speaking countries, this public holiday is held to commemorate the fallen soldiers of Turkmenistan. It is a day of national pride for Turkmenistanis, who hold public services to honor all those that died fighting for the nation. In particular, special mention is given to the soldiers who defended the Geok Tepe fortress against the invading Russian troops in 1881. Services are held on January 12.

Women's Day

Coinciding with International Women's Day, held on March 8, the Turkemenistanis seemingly treat this day like Valentine's Day. Women are told by their lovers to sit down and put their feet up, while men go about the housework. Later, the women are adorned with gifts of flowers, perfume, and chocolate.

Nowruz Bayram

Held on March 21, this festival takes place on the spring equinox. It is a public holiday in Turkmenistan and the first day in the new year of the Iranian calendar; for this reason, it is sometimes referred to as Persian New Year. The festival is a celebration of the new and what is to come of the year ahead, while reflecting on the old is also part of the day. Typical meals are cooked and shared with families. Later, communities get together for street carnivals.

Revival, Unity, and Magtymguly Pyragy Day

Held on May 19 and 20, this spring festival celebrates the life and times of a national hero. Magtymguly Pyragy was a Turkmen spiritual leader and philosophical poet who was active in the 18th century. He is revered by all Turkmenistanis to this day since he fought passionately to unify the people, a legacy which lives on today.

Melon Day

This new public holiday in Turkmenistan, instigated in 1994 by the then dictator Saparmurat Niyazov, commonly known as Turkmenbashi. It is celebrated annually on the second Sunday of August and is centered on a special crossbreed of the muskmelon, an important crop for the nation. The day's festivities include a large display of the fruit and a series of dances and other music events.

Eid al-Fitr

Usually held in August, this Islamic feast celebrates the end of the 30-day dawn to dusk fasting period of Ramadan. You will see families celebrating their faith and the end of this important period for Muslims with traditional meals.

Independence Day

This is one of the most important public holidays celebrated in Turkmenistan, and although called Independence Day, it falls over two days, October 27 and 28. It provides a good opportunity to discover more about the culture of Turkmenistan as traditional folklore tales are told and traditional horsemanship shows take place. There is a good dose of hearty Turkmen food served at communal gatherings.

*culled from www.iexplore.com