Imam prays at Malaysian wedding
About this recording
- Creator
- Kristin Post
- Date created
- September 5, 2000
- Duration
- 0:40
- Location
- Chini Dua, Malaysia
- File
- MP3
- License
- This recording copyright ©2000. Terms of use
Related media
Learn more
- Search LEARN NC for ceremonies, Chini Dua, families, homes, imam, Islam, Malaysia, marriage, prayer, and weddings.
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I lived with a Malaysian family for about two weeks. They invited me, a complete stranger to live in their house and attend their son’s wedding. The wedding lasted for two days, and took place at both the groom’s house and the bride’s. Each family was responsible for preparing a huge feast, big enough to feed their large families and the neighbors as well.
In this recording, you can hear the imam, the Muslim officiant, leading a prayer. You can hear that he changes his intonation as if he were singing a song, which is typical. You can also hear the sounds of the family and children milling about. I recorded this at the bride’s house, the day after the “vows” were exchanged. After the prayer, people gathered and ate.
From my journal:
A friend carries an umbrella for the groom. We walk in a disorganized procession to the (bride’s) house. The couple sits on chairs, cloth and Christmas lights draped behind them. They are fanned by people sitting beside. They wear the same color outfits (blue.) On previous day, you spray water or flowers over the couple, and get an egg after you shake their hands. Eat outide. Chicken, fish, some sweet coconut stuff.… They feed each other rice. I guess I was surprised by the way things happened or got done without much to do. And how the service didn’t command the complete attention of everyone.
