The Tay is popularly known as the native ethnic group in Cao Bang. Traditionally, the arranged marriage was really well – known in the old time . Nowaday, the young couple has the freedom for their right people in their life, however, the nuclear family – monogamy is still preserved as male – nominated custom in each family,
The organization of the traditional wedding with many steps : knowing names, engagement ceremony, informing wedding time, welcoming brides. The wedding is well organized within two days ; bride family manages to invite guests before the groom side. It is believed that the groom family is responsible for all expenses : cash, pigs, chicken, rice wine..... in order to invite relavites, friends and neighbourhood . These unlimited attitude to show that the groom family pay gratitudes to the bride’s family . The banquet is formerly provided for the elderly, uncles, relatives begins at 4pm or 5pm. Lately, the young people are given big lovely meal at 7pm or 8pm. After dinner, the guests hangout with the family , play funny games, singing until the next morning.
The procession has from 8 to 10 participants, young lady, official, groom and the others include . The offerings are 100 banh chung, 400 banh day, 2 big banh day, roasted pig, a couple of chicken, wine, betels and areca nuts, a bag of sugar, a bag of red handkerchief
As the participant arrival to bride family, the receptions are well organized to show hospitability from bride family. Funny games are given to the groom side by singing games, streching robes, arranging broom, tighten up a cat in front of the entrance. Not only the groom speaker show his talent on these conservations but also give his polite suggestions to the bride peers. As the groom participants step into living room, the bride speaker offer tea break and significant conversations to receive the offerings. The groom side put the offerings on the ancestor altar . Having shown the rites, the couples politely serve their tea to their relatives as well as their guests . As results, two sides enjoy the banquet together.
The traditional weddings are served with plenty of special food made by local ingredients such as : banana leaves, banana in rolls, roasted pork... The guests have chances to enjoy a lot of food in relation to Yin and Yang. It is really necessary to offer each wedding local rice wine.
Before wedding, the young lady is willing to prepare many useful dowries for her future husband’s family ; blankets, jewellry, mosquito nets, pillow ...
Traditionally, it is high time to reserve authentic culture in these days.