Vietnamese Wedding

Description

A traditional Vietnamese wedding ceremony

Sociological Interpretation

The culture we are born into, influences and moulds much of our behaviour. As Knutilla states, "we are above all else cultural creatures" a part of something larger—something we know as society. Society has its own culture and institutions that define our behaviour, conduct and actions in an organized, patterned, and structured way. What happens when the culture you are a part of is not typical of the society you identify yourself in?

A traditional Vietnamese wedding, like that in the picture would not be typically seen in North American society. At a simple glance, one can identify many differences. But are the differences simply in attire and appearance? Or is there an underlying significance in the whole wedding ceremony? Traditional Vietnamese weddings are mostly situated upon the importance of family. The bride and groom make offerings to their deceased and living elders, in hopes of having their marriage blessed. The strength and duration of a marriage between two individuals is strongly dependent on the harmony of both the families of the bride and groom. Ceremonies last 3 days and occur within the household of both the bride and groom. Marriage is strongly intertwined within family values and ties. The agreement to marriage itself is heavily discussed and planned beforehand between the elders of the individuals to be married. Divorce is strongly frowned upon, as it leaves a costly and disgraceful marker on the family name. In North American society, 50% of marriages end in divorce. However, one can also look at the constraint of family ties associated with marriages in Vietnam. A North American may say that traditional marriages in Vietnam lack the essence of love in all its glory, and is more so encouraged by family expectations. In some cases, marriages in Vietnam may be arranged or dealt with like a business agreement. Marriage reflects the status of a family in society, where a wealthy family would not likely wed their child to a poorer family that is not of equal status.

What is an individual to do when they are born into a traditional Vietnamese family, but raised in a North American society? The debate itself can be extended beyond the simple concept of marriage, but regardless of the behaviour being discussed, the ideal would be a balance between both culture and society. This raises the idea of diversity. Instead of constraining oneself in the boundaries of either culture OR society, one can share both values and norms instilled by culture AND society. In doing so, marriage would be seen as sacred to the family and to the couple being married. The importance of stability in traditional Vietnamese marriages could be balanced with North American's highly esteemed conquest for a spark of love.