Vietnam has long been a culture that values gold. In royal marriages of old, gold was considered as essential as land and titles in betrothal offerings. Folk verses recall:
Original folks | English translate |
“Mất một anh sẽ đền ba Hay như: “Ở xa nghe tiếng em cười Trong tay cầm nén vàng mười cũng trao” | “Lose a scarf, I’ll repay in gold, But I’d rather give myself than take your gold.” Or: “From afar I hear your laughter, Holding ten taels of gold, I’d still give them to you.” |
In Vietnamese weddings, gold symbolizes wealth and family honor. It marked both the groom’s family’s prosperity and the bride’s value. Many couples, despite deep affection, could not wed if the gold betrothal was insufficient — not because of greed, but due to social reputation. To accept meager offerings was seen as lowering the family’s honor and the daughter’s worth.
During the wedding, the groom’s mother traditionally gifts the bride earrings, while the groom presents wedding rings and other jewelry. Gold symbolizes preciousness, endurance, and unity. Its presence in weddings embodies the wish that the couple cherish their marriage and remain steadfast in lasting attachment.
In Central Vietnam, particularly in Huế, wedding customs were more elaborate in ritual form yet restrained in display. Ceremonies were performed with strict order, but the material value of gifts was less emphasized. People in Huế believed in “trọng lễ nghi khinh tài vật” (valuing ritual propriety over wealth).
In Central Vietnam, particularly in Huế, wedding customs were more elaborate in ritual form yet restrained in display. Ceremonies were performed with strict order, but the material value of gifts was less emphasized. People in Huế believed in “trọng lễ nghi khinh tài vật” (valuing ritual propriety over wealth).
In Central Vietnam, particularly in Huế, wedding customs were more elaborate in ritual form yet restrained in display. Ceremonies were performed with strict order, but the material value of gifts was less emphasized. People in Huế believed in “trọng lễ nghi khinh tài vật” (valuing ritual propriety over wealth).