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PhotoMann & Roongnapa Get HitchedThis section depicts some of the scenes from one of PhotoMann's most harrowing adventures.... the traditional Thai Wedding. The event took place on 27 November 1996 in Chiang Mai, Thailand. It was an experience to remember for all in attendance especially my farang guests.The day started with Roongnapa's family and friends picking up PhotoMann and his guests at the hotel for the short trip to her neighborhood. Once there, we had a procession through the neighborhood to her house. Descriptions accompany the images below to give you a idea of what occured that day. The photography is by various individuals. These are the only images at this site not taken by PhotoMann. Click on the images for an enlarged view.)
Roongnapa & PhotoMannThis formal protrait of Roongnapa & PhotoMann in their wedding clothes was taken at a studio in the night market. The clothes were custom tailored and were all silk.)
ProcessionThe procession lead by the bride and groom's families proceeds down the driveway.)
Silver GateThe Silver Gate was the first of three symbolic obstacles that PhotoMann had to negotiate (bribe) his way through. In this picture the women holding the silver chain let me know that the coins I offered were inadequate.)
Procession ContinuesHaving made his way through the first obstacle, PhotoMann continues towards his destination.)
Gold GateThe Gold Gate confronted PhotoMann at the door to the house. Again the coin trick (tossed in the window) didn't work. After further negotiation entry to the house was finally achieved.)
Beginning of Ceremony)
Immediate FamilyHere is some of our immediate family who were shoe-horned into the house with many other guests.)
Presenting BowlsPhotoMann's mother presents the Khaan Maak (betel bowl) which included our rings plus a bracelet and necklace to Roongnapa's uncle. The Khaan Maak was decorated with fresh flowers and contained nuts, gold leaves, silver leaves, copper leaves, rice and sesame seeds, and beans. Each item has it's own symbolic meaning.
The Khaan Ngern Sinsord (dowery bowl) was also presented to the bride's uncle by PhotoMann's step-mother.
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Exchanging Rings)
The WaiWe Wai each other after exchanging the rings.)
Presenting a bracelet and necklacePhotoMann's mom puts a bracelet and necklace from the Khaan Maak on the bride.)
Khaan Ngern SinsordThe bride's uncle opens the dowry (bride gift) bowl.)
Reading the checkThe amount of the bride gift check was read to the guests. This is where PhotoMann cried :-)!)
Pook MueMembers of both sides of the family starting with the elders line up to tie the sacred cord (Pook Mue) around the bride's and groom's wrists. Then other guests had the opportunity. This went on for about 30 minutes which was about 20 minutes longer than it took PhotoMann's legs to go to sleep!
In this picture PhotoMann's parents tie the cord.
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Pook MuePhotoMann's brother ties the cord.)
Another Pook MueThe bride's sister does the honor.)
All Tied UpThe bride and groom are all tied up! This includes the Sai Monkon on our heads. The Sai Monkon forms two linked but independent circles made of white cord (the chain). It's symbolic of retaining individual identity but destinies are linked.
Also visible is the large number of sacred cords tied on our wrists... there were a lot! We had to keep them on our wrists for three days before removing them without cutting.
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Standing UpGetting up after sitting in one position for 45+ minutes was quite a trick! PhotoMann's brother makes sure he doesn't fall over.)
Going to Hong HawThe family elders lead the bride and groom to the bedroom (Hong Haw).)
GreetingPhotoMann's brother greets the bride and groom in the Hong Haw.)
Portrait)
The Honeymoon BeginsJust kidding.... the bride kisses the groom.)
Posing with familyPhotoMann and Roongnapa pose with the brides's sister, a neice and a couple nephews.)
Brides FamilyThis is only a portion of her family that was in attendance.)
PhotoMann's Family)
Party BoundLet the party begin! Although roughly 50 guests were in attendance at the ceremony in Roongnapa's house the party to follow outside had almost 300 people. The last of the guests didn't leave till 1130pm.... the day started before 8am. It was a very long day!)
Greeting the GuestsPhotoMann and Roongnapa individually greeted the guests and presented them with a souvenier of the event (a black laquer elephant with our names in gold leaf). In exchange, most guests gave us an envelope.)
Posing with Guests)
Greeting part of PhotoMann's family)
PhotoMann's Brother is ToastIn this picture Dave is being force-fed a glass of whisky!Welcome to Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai Magazine
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