Once upon a winter in Laos

Six winters back, in Vientiane, Laos, at an Indonesian diplomat’s French colonial styled house, a Nikaah was performed. The living room of the house, where the Nikaah took place, was decorated in an authentic Minagkabau wedding style. The room was scintillated with brilliance of hundreds of unique embroideries from golden threads, silver sequins, hanging brocade and dazzling buntings showcasing fabulous Minangkabau songket and silk. Although, red and gold dominated the setting, a two layer gold-gilded umbrella stood prominently by a corner, which rightfully honors the woman, for after all this ethnic group of West Sumatra, while Islamic, remains strongly matriarchal.

It was a Thursday the 23^rd of January. It was a crisp winter evening, just after ‘Ashr prayers, in a large circle on the carpeted floor, men sat cross-legged and women with their legs to the side, watched the beaming Malaysian groom sat facing the bride’s father. He was confidently holding his future father-in-law’s hand – as though the 57 year old man might run away - in a handshake manner while clearly uttering the acceptance words in one single breath.

"I accept to marry Aini Maasir binti Arman Maasir with the recital of surah Ar Rahman as mahr".

Everyone looked hopefully to the witnesses. Both witnesses nodded, smiled and declared that the groom’s vow recital is accepted.

At that very moment, the bride and groom - dressed in traditional Malay nikaah outfits as white as snow - legitimately started their life together as husband and wife.