INTRODUCTION 1 Justification of the Study
Aims and Objectives of the Study
To effectively learn a foreign language, exploring and comparing the culture of the country where the language is spoken with one's own culture is essential This article presents a study on wedding customs in Vietnamese and American cultures, offering insights for those interested in understanding the unique wedding traditions of both countries.
Today, many Vietnamese and American individuals are increasingly interested in marrying foreigners This study aims to provide essential knowledge about the organization of Vietnamese and American weddings, helping couples navigate cultural differences and avoid potential culture shocks when transitioning from their familiar environments to new and diverse cultures.
Doing this study, the author will answer some questions below:
- What is custom and wedding custom?
- What are similarities between Vietnamese and American wedding custom?
- What are differences between Vietnamese wedding custom and that of American?
Methods of the Study
In this study, the author will use both qualitative and quantitative method
The author employs qualitative research methods, such as focus groups, interviews, and uninterrupted observations, to analyze language and gain insights into people's opinions, behaviors, and experiences related to weddings This approach is instrumental in exploring the research context and understanding participants' feelings, ultimately guiding the direction of her study.
The author will employ a quantitative method following the qualitative approach to quantify the problem and analyze data, utilizing statistics to answer key questions regarding the organization of weddings, including what, where, and when they take place Common techniques for this method include surveys and questionnaires, which will be used to evaluate students and derive conclusive results about omission errors Both qualitative and quantitative research methods are essential and valuable to her study.
Analyzing customs in Vietnam and America is complex, and this study specifically examines the popular and intriguing wedding customs in both countries The research highlights the similarities and differences between Vietnamese and American wedding traditions, while acknowledging that exploring other cultural aspects falls outside its scope.
To help us have a general overview about her study, the author will divide it into following 4 parts:
This section provides an overview of the study, outlining its justification, aims, and objectives It also details the methods employed, the scope of the research, and the overall format of the study, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the research framework.
With this part, the author will divide it into three following chapters :
This chapter provides essential theoretical concepts relevant to the study, including definitions of culture, cross-culture, and customs It explores both Vietnamese and American wedding customs, highlighting the unique elements that define each culture's approach to marriage traditions.
Chapter 2: Similarities between Vietnamese and American wedding custom
This chapter explores the similarities between wedding customs in Vietnam and America, focusing on key aspects such as the two main steps involved in organizing the wedding ceremony, the exchange of wedding gifts, prevalent superstitions, and the symbolic meanings of food on the wedding day.
Chapter 3: differences between Vietnamese and American wedding custom
This chapter will study more clearly about the way these two countries organize wedding with procedures as before wedding ceremony, on the wedding day and after the wedding ceremony
In conclusion, this study will summarize key findings, discuss implications, and outline the strengths and weaknesses of the research, along with recommendations for future studies Additionally, relevant references and an appendix will be provided for further consideration.
Format of the Study
To help us have a general overview about her study, the author will divide it into following 4 parts:
This section provides a comprehensive overview of the study, outlining its justification, aims, and objectives It details the methodologies employed, the scope of the research, and the overall format of the study, ensuring a clear understanding of its context and significance.
With this part, the author will divide it into three following chapters :
This chapter aims to provide essential theoretical concepts relevant to the study, focusing on key elements of wedding customs It will define culture and explore the ideas of cross-culture and customs, while specifically examining both Vietnamese and American wedding traditions.
Chapter 2: Similarities between Vietnamese and American wedding custom
This chapter explores the similarities in wedding customs between Vietnam and America, focusing on key aspects such as the two main steps of organizing a wedding ceremony, the exchange of wedding gifts, prevalent superstitions, and the symbolic meanings of food on the wedding day.
Chapter 3: differences between Vietnamese and American wedding custom
This chapter will study more clearly about the way these two countries organize wedding with procedures as before wedding ceremony, on the wedding day and after the wedding ceremony
In conclusion, this study will summarize key findings, discuss implications, and outline the strengths and weaknesses of the research, along with recommendations for future studies Additionally, relevant references and an appendix will be provided for further consideration.
DEVELPOPMENT
THEORETICAL BACKGROUND 1 Culture
Culture is a term that has many different inter-related meanings However, the word "culture" is most commonly used in three basic senses:
- Excellence of taste in fine arts and humanities, also known as high culture
- An integrated pattern of human knowledge, belief, and behavior that depends upon the capacity for symbolic thought and social learning
- The set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices that characterizes an institution, organization, or group
The concept of culture has different meanings with different people Robinson (1985) stated that the definition of “culture” comprises three elements:
- Cultural products: literature, art, music, folklore, artifacts
- Behaviors: customs, habits, clothes, foods, leisure
(Cited from Tomalin, B and Stempleski, S 1993: 7)
We can see the relationship between these three elements as follows:
Chart 1: The relationship between three elements of culture (Cited from Tomalin, B and Stempleski, S 1993: 7)
Culture is a multifaceted concept encompassing both tangible and intangible values, with cultural products like literature, art, behaviors, clothing, and food serving as clear indicators of diverse cultures.
According to Encarta Dictionary (2004), culture is “the customary beliefs, social forms and material traits of racial, religious or social group”
Culture is a complex amalgamation of shared attitudes, beliefs, behavioral norms, and fundamental values that shape the actions and interpretations of individuals within a group According to Spencer-Oatey (2000), these elements significantly influence how members of a community perceive and respond to the behaviors of others.
Culture not only influences individual behaviors but also shapes the interpretation of others' actions, highlighting its significant role in everyday life According to Hofstede (1994), culture encompasses these dynamics, further illustrating its importance in human interactions and societal functioning.
Culture is defined as the collective programming of the mind that differentiates one group of people from another It exists between the unchangeable aspects of human nature and the unique traits of individual personalities This perspective on culture not only clarifies the concept itself but also accommodates the diversity of individual personalities within a single cultural framework.
Culture is defined as a system of shared beliefs, values, customs, behaviors, and artifacts that help members of a society navigate their world and interact with each other Unlike genetic traits, culture is learned and passed down through generations While all individuals within a group share a common culture, the expression of that culture is influenced by each person's unique personality.
Cross -cultural may refer to:
- Cross-cultural studies, a comparative tendency in various fields of cultural analysis
- Cross-cultural communication, a field of study that looks at how people from differing cultural backgrounds communicate
- Any of various forms of interactivity between members of disparate cultural groups (see also cross-cultural communication, intercultural relations, hybridism and cosmopolitanism)
- The discourse concerning cultural interactivity, sometimes referred to as cross-culturalism (See also multiculturalism, cosmopolitanism, cultural diversity)
According to the Fourth Edition of the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, cross-cultural is defined as the interaction of differing cultures, or a comparison
In Vietnam, Dr Nguyen Quang defines cross-cultural interactions as the engagement between social groups, subcultures, ethnic cultures, and diverse cultures This concept of cross-culturalism is evident in various forms.
- Intra-cultural interaction: it is understood as the interactive process between the partners live in the same country and have the same cultural background It includes:
- Intra-cultural interaction within group: The partners belong to the same social group (e.g interactions between two farmers)
- Intra-cultural interaction across groups: The partners belong to different social groups (e.g interaction between an entrepreneur and researcher)
- Intra-cultural interaction within subculture: The partners belong to the same subculture (e.g interaction between the two Central Vietnam)
- Intra-cultural interaction across subcultures: The partners belong to different subcultures (e.g interactions between the North and South people)
Cross-cultural refers to the incorporation of ideas and elements from multiple cultures, highlighting the influence of culture on individuals and their communities This concept emphasizes the interactions that occur when diverse cultural principles and ideals converge, leading to meaningful cross-cultural exchanges.
Customs are habitual practices and social conventions upheld by tradition and enforced through social disapproval, as defined by Webster's New World College Dictionary (1999) In the Vietnamese context, as noted by the Danang Publishing House (1997), customs are seen as local habits that communities adopt, effectively becoming part of their social legislation Essentially, customs serve as communal behavioral rules that reflect the aspirations of generations within a self-governing community, such as a village or region, and play a crucial role in regulating social relations, particularly in familial and marital contexts.
Customs are integral to societal life, evolving over time to adapt to contemporary needs without violating legal frameworks Unlike rigid rituals, customs are flexible and reflect the daily activities of people While each nation initially develops its unique traditions, interactions among cultures lead to mutual influence and the adoption of similar practices, resulting in relatively stable and uniform social customs.
Vietnam, located in Southeast Asia, is a nation characterized by its simplicity and rich diversity The warm and friendly nature of the Vietnamese people reflects their deep-rooted customs and traditions, which enhance the cultural fabric of the country With various ethnic groups contributing to its vibrant culture, Vietnam embraces a multitude of languages, religions, rituals, and practices, all unified by a strong sense of national pride Central to Vietnamese customs is the emphasis on family, highlighting the significance of close-knit relationships in their straightforward way of life.
Vietnamese culture is deeply rooted in Confucianism, emphasizing family structure and filial piety, which has been respected across generations Throughout history, Vietnam's culture has been shaped by significant influences, first from the Chinese Empire over a thousand years and later from a century of French colonialism Despite these external influences, the core values and characteristics of Vietnamese culture have remained resilient, preserved, and enriched throughout various societal changes.
Vietnamese customs are unique and rich, reflecting the cultural values crystallized over thousands of years of history These traditions embody profound philosophies about nature and society, showcasing the genuine, friendly, and admirable values of the nation They permeate all aspects of society, often serving as customary laws that are deeply ingrained in the people, sometimes even more powerful than formal legal systems Our cultural heritage includes many admirable traditions that are essential for fostering human morality and social discipline.
Weddings hold immense significance in Vietnamese culture, representing a pivotal day not just for the couple but also for their families As noted by Ngo Bach in "Nghi Le Dan Gian va Nhung Dieu Kieng Ky," marriage symbolizes the union of a couple and the establishment of a family lineage The Vietnamese wedding ceremony serves as a cultural tradition that publicly signifies societal acceptance of the marriage This celebration is a joyous occasion for the bride, groom, and their families, typically organized after obtaining official marriage registration In Vietnamese society, the wedding ceremony is often regarded as more meaningful than the legal marriage certificate, incorporating several formal rituals that underscore its importance.
In "Nhung dieu can biet ve nghi le hon nhan nguoi Viet," Truong Thin emphasizes that marriage is the cornerstone of the Vietnamese family structure, stating, "According to Vietnamese custom, the root of family is called marriage." He highlights that marriage leads to the formation of spouses and children, making it essential for maintaining the family system Thus, getting married holds significant importance for the entire family.
Vietnamese wedding ceremonies differ significantly based on regional lifestyles and customs, ranging from simple to elaborate rituals Regardless of the region, weddings hold great significance in Vietnamese culture, with unique procedures and traditions that reflect local customs.
SIMILARITIES BETWEEN VIETNAMESE AND AMERICAN WEDDING CUSTOM 1 The two main steps of organizing wedding ceremony
1 The two main steps of organizing a wedding
In every nation, weddings involve formal rituals, but both Vietnamese and American cultures share two key steps in their marriage arrangements: the engagement and the wedding reception The following chart illustrates these similarities.
Chart 2: Marriage steps in Vietnam and America
Engagement is a significant step in marriage, representing a promise to marry and the time between the proposal and the wedding, which can vary in length During this period, couples are referred to as betrothed or engaged A wedding is the ceremonial event that unites two individuals in marriage, typically involving the exchange of vows, gifts, and a public declaration of marriage by an officiant.
During the wedding ceremony, both American and Vietnamese couples exchange wedding rings after taking their vows, symbolizing their commitment and love This exchange typically precedes the official pronouncement of the couple as husband and wife, highlighting the significance of the rings in their union.
The engagement ring symbolizes an unbroken circle of love, representing a bond without beginning or end Traditionally, the transition from couple to husband and wife is celebrated through the exchange of wedding rings.
In both Vietnamese and American weddings, it is customary for guests to present gifts to the newlyweds as a gesture of good luck Couples in both cultures anticipate receiving gifts from those invited to their wedding Additionally, guests often partake in specific rituals aimed at bestowing blessings and good fortune upon the newly married couple.
Table 1: Wedding gifts in Vietnam and America
During Vietnamese wedding receptions, guests typically present envelopes containing wedding cards, monetary gifts, and blessings to the newlywed couple as the groom, bride, and their parents visit each table to express gratitude While many couples provide a box at the sign-in table for guests to deposit their envelopes and cards, this practice is often criticized by traditionalists Close friends and family frequently offer gold or practical gifts, such as picture frames, kitchen items, perfumes, or floral soaps, to help the couple as they embark on their new life together In contrast, American wedding customs involve sending or delivering household goods to the bride's family home prior to the wedding day.
Wedding Gifts Vietnamese Envelopes with money, cards, gold…
American Household goods, jewelry, clothing
Both Vietnamese and American have some superstitions on the wedding as follows:
Table 2: Superstitions on the wedding in Vietnam and America
( Source: Minh Duong- Nghi Le Hon Nhan, pp.80-81); American
Wedding Customs, from: http://www.elitedresses.com)
In American wedding traditions, guests often throw rice, flower petals, or confetti to promote fertility and ward off evil spirits that may envy the couple's joy This practice symbolizes the attendees' wishes for the newlyweds' happiness and prosperity Recently, alternatives like birdseed and bubbles have gained popularity, with bubbles adding a festive touch to the celebration Additionally, the wedding bouquet, traditionally crafted from robust herbs like garlic and thyme, carries its own significance in these rituals.
Rice, chamber pot, healthy baby boy, rainy wedding day, break something
Rice, flower petals, Garters, tin cans, bubbles, rainy wedding day wedding bouquet by garlic and thyme,
Knives, sharp objects, Bride wears pearls, Drop the wedding ring or the veil, pregnant women
Car breaks down, pass a funeral, and meet a pig… to ward off the evil spirit and also minimize the body odor of people who haven’t bathed for a long time
The wedding car plays a crucial role in the wedding ceremony, serving as the couple's first private space after the festivities Superstitions surround the wedding car, with beliefs that a malfunctioning vehicle can bring bad luck Traditionally, it's thought that the car should travel a short distance after the bride leaves the church to avoid misfortune Wedding cars are often adorned with flowers, "just married" signs, and tin cans, which are believed to scare away evil spirits with their noise In American customs, it's considered lucky for the groom to carry his bride over the threshold of their new home Historically, wedding carriages drawn by gray horses were seen as a good omen, and encountering a gray horse en route to the reception is also favorable Conversely, it's deemed unlucky if a horse refuses to move, or if the bride encounters a pig or passes a funeral on her way to the ceremony.
In Vietnam, wedding superstitions play a significant role in the ceremony It is believed that brides should not try on their wedding dresses prior to the big day, as this could jeopardize the marriage Additionally, wearing pearls is thought to bring unhappiness and sorrow to the bride Furthermore, if the groom sits in front of the bride during the ceremony, he may become a henpecked husband To avoid bad luck, it is essential for the groom to arrive at the church before the bride.
When selecting wedding gifts, it's best to avoid knives or sharp objects, as they are believed to symbolize a broken marriage Additionally, dropping the wedding ring or veil during the ceremony can signify unhappiness for the couple However, breaking something during the reception is considered a sign of good luck for the newlyweds.
Gifting an arinola (chamber pot) and throwing rice confetti at newlyweds are traditional practices believed to bring good luck Additionally, if it rains on the wedding day, it is seen as a sign of prosperity and happiness for the couple.
In some cultures, placing a healthy baby boy on the newlywed couple's bed is believed to enhance their chances of having a son Additionally, it is considered unlucky for pregnant women or those in mourning to attend weddings, as their presence may bring misfortune to the bride and groom.
4 Symbols of food on wedding day
In both Vietnamese and American weddings, food holds significant symbolic meaning, reflecting the importance of fellowship in various cultures Central to the wedding reception is the iconic wedding cake, which celebrates the loving union between husband and wife Each country features its own unique styles of wedding cakes, highlighting cultural diversity in these joyous celebrations.
Wedding cake Phu thê or su sê cake
Fruit cake, chocolate cake or fondant cake
Table 3: Wedding cakes in Vietnam and America (Source: Vietnamese Ceremony, from: http://www.vietnam-culture.com)
In northern Vietnam, traditional weddings prominently feature "phu thê" and "su sê" cakes, also known as conjugal cakes, which symbolize the philosophy of yin and yang The "phu thê" cake is a beloved Vietnamese sweet characterized by its jelly-like texture, crafted from tapioca, pandan, mung bean paste, sugar, sesame seeds, and coconut milk These cakes are uniquely wrapped in a square mold with a bread crust infused with coconut, with black sesame seeds nestled beneath the surface, highlighting their cultural significance.
The philosophy of yin and yang is beautifully illustrated in the tradition of offering sticky cakes during wedding ceremonies, symbolizing the strong bonds of marriage Typically presented by the groom to his bride, these cakes are a vital part of wedding banquets and gift packages exchanged between families The yin and yang concept is further represented by the packaging: a small inner box (yin) that holds the cake, surrounded by a larger outer box (yang), symbolizing the care and harmony between husband and wife This blend of elements reflects the unity of human relationships and the balance between masculine and feminine energies Ultimately, the joyful atmosphere of the wedding day is encapsulated in the message of the conjugal cake, wishing the couple a lifetime of happiness together.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN VIETNAMESE AND AMERICAN WEDDING CUSTOM 1 Before wedding ceremony
Weddings are significant life events that reflect the unique cultural characteristics of each country In both Vietnamese and American traditions, an engagement precedes the wedding ceremony, but the details of these engagements differ greatly An engagement signifies a promise of marriage between two individuals and encompasses the time spent between the proposal and the actual wedding, with various engagement rituals influenced by cultural norms.
The Vietnamese engagement ceremony, known as "Lễ ăn hỏi," is a significant pre-wedding event that brings together both the bride’s and groom’s families Historically, this ceremony held greater importance than the wedding itself, serving as an official announcement of the marriage and the union of the two families While its significance has diminished over time and varies by region, in urban areas, it is now common for the engagement ceremony to be celebrated just one day before the wedding.
1 month in the countryside) the wedding ceremony
The engagement can be prepared as follows:
The groom, parents, grandparents, family, friends and some unmarried men
Betel leaves, areca nut fruits or trầu, cau, wine, tea, husband- wife cake or phu thê cake, flake cake, tobacco, roasted pig and money for wedding
The bride, her parents, grandparents, family and some unmarried girls
Table 4: Preparation for Engagement in Vietnam
(Source: Ngo Bach- Nghi Le Dan Gian va Nhung Dieu Kieng Ky, pp.85-86)
Prior to the engagement day, each family selects a representative who is a respected member known for their happy life and high standing within the family These representatives facilitate the exchange of gifts and oversee the ceremony's various stages Additionally, both families convene to discuss the gifts and agree on a suitable time for the engagement ceremony The wedding date is typically determined by the parents of the bride and groom, taking into account factors such as the couple's ages, astrological signs, and auspicious timings according to the Lunar calendar.
In Vietnamese culture, the groom's family prepares gifts several days prior to the engagement ceremony, traditionally arranged on an odd number of trays—5, 7, or 9—depending on their means These gifts, wrapped in red paper or cloth, symbolize good fortune and a bright future, as red is a significant color in Vietnamese weddings The offerings typically include betel leaves, areca nuts, wine, tea, phu thê cakes, sticky rice, and a whole roasted pig, which is a centerpiece of the gifts The families designate 5, 7, or 9 young, unmarried individuals to present and receive the gifts, with boys representing the groom and girls representing the bride, all dressed in red ao dai The engagement ceremony follows specific traditional procedures to honor both families.
Chart 3: Procedures of the engagement in Vietnam
(Source: Ngo Bach - Nghi Le Dan Gian va Nhung Dieu Kieng Ky, pp.85-86)
On engagement day, the groom's family warmly presents gifts to the bride's family, creating a welcoming atmosphere Young men are greeted by an equal number of young women, all elegantly dressed in red "ao dai." The men then offer the gifts, symbolizing unity and celebration between the two families.
The bride's family welcomes the groom’s family and receives gifts
The bride and groom debut two families and burn incense on the bride's family altar
Two families discuss the wedding and enjoy a party
In a traditional wedding custom, the bride's family reciprocates by giving gifts to the groom's family, specifically to the women who assist in bringing them inside Each young woman presents her male counterpart with a small sum of money, symbolizing their participation in this meaningful exchange.
In some cultures, such as Vietnamese, there is a superstition that being an unpaid helper at a wedding may prevent one from marrying During the wedding ceremony, the groom's party presents a tray of wine to the bride's parents, who, by accepting the toast, symbolically welcome the groom's family The couple then prays before the groom's family altar to seek approval from his ancestors Additionally, the parents of both families convene to discuss the wedding arrangements, including the bride price and selecting an auspicious wedding date based on the Chinese lunar calendar and astrological charts In contrast, American wedding customs prioritize practicality over superstition; parental permission is not typically required, and the bride's family often bears the wedding expenses.
After the engagement ring is presented, the representatives introduce members from both families Subsequently, both families celebrate at a party hosted by the bride's family It is customary for some gifts to be returned to the bride's family for good luck before the groom's family departs.
The gifts in the lacquered boxes are split into two parts: a smaller portion is returned to the boy’s family, demonstrating their generosity and ensuring that the bride’s family is not perceived as greedy.
In the days following the engagement ceremony, the groom's family distributes wedding invitations and gifts to friends, family, and neighbors to announce the upcoming wedding Traditionally in Vietnam, the bride's family covers the costs of the engagement ceremony, while the groom's family is responsible for the wedding ceremony and reception expenses In contrast, in American weddings, it is customary for the bride's family to pay for the reception costs.
In the United States, engagement traditions are often personalized, allowing couples to celebrate in unique ways that stand out from other events Typically, the bride selects the color and fabric for the bridesmaids' attire, who then choose styles that best suit their figures Consequently, American engagement ceremonies tend to be less elaborate than those in Vietnam Couples usually share their engagement news with close friends and host a special engagement party to commemorate the occasion.
Chart 4: Procedures of the engagement in America
In the United States, engagement parties typically have a lower cost than wedding receptions, making them an ideal option for couples on a budget This allows American couples to invite a larger number of guests to their engagement celebration while reserving a more intimate gathering for the wedding itself.
In American wedding receptions, brides honor special guests, and engagements are formally announced to parents before the celebration, with guests often giving gifts of household items to the couple In contrast, Vietnamese engagements are organized solely by the bride's family, with invitations extended only to close relatives and friends, highlighting a significant cultural difference in wedding traditions.
In the USA, wedding preparations typically include a bridal shower hosted by the maid of honor and bridesmaids, along with a bachelor party organized by the groom It’s essential for the groom to remain sober during this celebration Couples should send out wedding invitations with a response card four to six weeks prior to the wedding to confirm attendance In contrast, Vietnamese wedding customs involve sending invitations just three to four days before the ceremony, without response cards, leaving families unaware of the guest list until the wedding day Additionally, while American weddings often feature a rehearsal dinner for out-of-town guests, this tradition is not present in Vietnam, where the groom's parents usually cover the costs of such dinners.
The groom often hosts a dinner party, while both the bride and groom arrange luncheons for their families Interestingly, many couples prefer a religious ceremony, despite varying levels of personal belief, which can lead to confusion due to the diverse faiths and backgrounds present in American weddings Some individuals adhere to superstitions, ensuring that the groom does not see the bride until she walks down the aisle with her father, often entering the church through a side door In cases where both a father and stepfather have raised the bride, she may choose to have both escort her While the couple may not be particularly religious, these traditions can pose challenges due to differing backgrounds In contrast, Vietnamese weddings do not follow this practice.
CONCLUSION 1 Recapitulation and Implication
Suggestions for further study
As Vietnam integrates into the global economy and culture, cultural studies become essential for promoting understanding and reducing culture shock when encountering diverse societies, particularly during international travel Increased research is needed to address challenges in these interactions and to provide insights into contemporary Vietnamese cultural practices, including weddings, birthdays, funerals, and ancestor worship Such studies will highlight the strengths and limitations of Vietnamese culture, enabling comparisons with global cultures Additionally, there are numerous resources available, including detailed checklists and books on wedding ceremonies, as well as encyclopedias offering extensive information for further exploration To deepen cultural understanding, the author proposes several topics for additional research.
- A study on similarities and differences in opening and closing in Vietnamese and American conversation
- A study on similarities and differences in praise of Vietnamese and American
In conclusion, the author aims to enhance the understanding of Vietnamese-American culture in academic and media contexts through this study She believes it serves as a valuable resource for individuals exploring cross-cultural dynamics and enhancing their cultural knowledge The author hopes readers will find this study beneficial for their future endeavors and consider it a worthwhile reference for more effective cultural studies.
Bach, Ngo (2010) Nghi lễ dân gian và những điều kiêng kỵ, (pp.85-86)
Cao, Hoang, M Nguyen, Phung, T Nguyen (2005) An introduction to
American Studies, (p 64) English Department, VNUCFL
Duong, Minh (2010) Nghi lễ Hôn Nhân, (pp 80-81) Thoi Dai Publishing
Hofstede, G (1994) Cultures and organizations: software of the mind: Intercultural London, HarperCollins
Hornby, A.S (2003) Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary Oxford
Life123, Inc (2007, April 19) Vietnamese wedding Retrieved April 24 th ,
2012, from http://www.life123.com/relationships/weddings/wedding- customs traditions/what-are-vietnamese-wedding-traditions.shtml Lung, Dang V & Thao, Nguyen S (1999) Phong tục tập quán các dân tộc
Việt Nam Hanoi Publishing House
Neubert, A & Shreve, G M (1992) Translation as text, (p.415) Kent,
Ohio & London, England: The Kent State University Press
Oliveri, Den (2008, May 19) American Wedding Custom Retrieved April,
25 th , 2012, from http://wedding- planning.suite101.com/article.cfm/americanweddingcustoms
Robinson, G.L.N (1985) Cross Cultural understanding In Tomalin, B & Stempleski, S (1993) Cultural Awareness Oxford: Oxford
Quang, Nguyen (2002) Giao tiếp và giao tiếp giao văn hóa, (p.77) National
Spencer-Oatey, H (2000) Culturally speaking: Managing rapport through talk across cultures New York: Cassel
Thin, Truong (2010) Những điều cần biết về nghi lễ hôn nhân người Việt,
Travour (2005, August 20) American wedding tradition Retrieved
April, 24 th , 2012, from: http://www.travour.com/weddings/world- weddingtraditions/american-wedding-traditions.html
Vietnamese Dictionary (1997: 467-742) DaNang Publishing House
Vietnamese engagement ceremonies are rich in tradition and cultural significance, often involving elaborate rituals that symbolize the union of two families In contrast, Western wedding ceremonies focus on personal vows and celebrations that highlight the couple's love and commitment While both cultures celebrate love, the customs and practices vary greatly, reflecting their unique histories and values Understanding these differences can enhance appreciation for each culture's approach to marriage, allowing individuals to embrace diverse wedding traditions For more insights into Vietnamese and Western wedding customs, visit the provided resources.
1 Tick these boxes with the sentence you think are belong to
Vietnamese (V) or American (A) wedding custom:
1 Guests often send wedding gifts before the wedding day
2 Guests often give wedding gifts in the form of money in an envelope
3 Knives and other sharp and pointed objects are said to be a bad choice for wedding gifts
4 It is considered good luck to have the wedding carriage drawn by gray horses
5 Weddings cakes are often featured by “phu thê”, “su sê” cakes
6 Wedding cakes are often Fruit cake, chocolate cake or fondant cake
7 It is considered a bad luck for a bride to meet a pig on the way to her wedding ceremony
8 The wedding date is generally chosen by the parents of the bride and groom
9 The wedding date is generally chosen by bride and groom based on their preparation
10 Some of engagement gifts are returned to the groom’s family for luck before they leave
11 The bride's family pays for engagement ceremony expenses, and the groom's family pays for the wedding ceremony
12 Most of the wedding preparations would form a bridal shower
13 One symbol that is indispensable in wedding ceremony is the word
14 People often throw rice at weddings to wish fertility, prosperity, and long lasting happiness for the newly married couple
15 Weddings are traditionally held in places of worship.