A Dong minority wedding ceremony in SW China

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A special wedding displaying the rich culture of the Dong minority people took place in southwest China during the Lunar New Year.

Carrying wedding gifts, about 100 Dong people followed the bridegroom and the bride on the road to the bride’s family from one village to another village in Congjiang county, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province.

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The bride returning to her mother's home is the most important part of a Dong wedding ceremony. The bridegroom typically gives many gifts to the bride's family, including pork, fish, cakes and rice wine.

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As the wedding party approaches, the bride's family sings the Dong minority wedding song and welcomes guests into the home for a celebratory party.

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The party often lasts until very late in the evening, sometimes even into a second or third day. Guests wear costumes, drink and dance around bonfires.

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Singing is a significant part of the Dong people’s culture; they use song to express their thoughts and feelings. The content and subject matter of the songs will follow Dong people throughout their lives.

1677km