"5 unique things in Betawi's Wedding"
1. Roti Buaya
Roti Buaya is an important thing that brought by the groom at the Betawi's Wedding. This bread is so iconic so that many Betawi's people said that, the Betawi's wedding would not valid if there are not roti buaya in there. The origins of this symbol supposedly inspired by the crocodile. Crocodile according to Betawi's people is one of animal that is strong and patient. But the most important crocodile's behaviour that very inspiring is his loyality. Crocodiles are known for only mating once throughout his life. So people hope that the marriage will be last forever.
And why it should be a bread? according to Betawi's people, bread is also a symbol of a wealthy. So, people also hope that with those bread, the groom and the bride will have a better future.
2. Tanjidor
Tanjidor is Betawi's orchestra music that comes from mixed culture between Dutch and Arabic. In general, the instruments of the tanjidor are consists of a piston cornet, trombone, tenor, clarinet, bass and drum.
3. Buka Palang Pintu
buka palang pintu is also one of the the things that must exist at the Betawi's Wedding. This tradition will usually attract many people's attention because of the cool, funny, even scared atmosphere. buka palang pintu is an opening ceremony. when the groom and his family is about to enter the bride's residence, the family of the bride will block the groom and his family. in the beginning there was a polite dialogue between the two families, respective exchanged greetings, pray for each other until slowly but sure the situation become hotter because of the family of the bride wanted to see the groom's ability in martial arts and reading the Koran (Al-Quran). this tradition is also characterized by 'war poem' between the two families. The situation become hotter when the representative of the groom showed his skill in material arts to fight against the representative of the bride. Of course this segment have been arrange so that the representative of the groom will win the fight.
4. Buka Cadar
After the wedding ceremony finished, the groom will open the veil that covering the bride's face, to make sure if the bride is the woman he loved.
5. In Puade
the tradition 'Buka Cadar' will continue by the tradition 'in puade'. In puade is the Betawi's tradition when the groom gives 'Sirih Dare' to the bride as a symbol of love. Usually in the 'Sirih Dare' there will be some money as a symbol that the groom will take care of his wife's life. After that, the bride and the groom are allowed to sit side by side to watch some traditional dance which is meant to entertain both of them.
