Hmong wedding
The Hmong wedding, a multi-day affair of two clans, with negotiators, bridewealth and songs.
Also: Hmong marriage, tshoob
A traditional Hmong wedding, held by Hmong families in Laos, Vietnam, China, Thailand and communities in the United States, France and Australia, is a joining of two clans. Negotiators called mej koob speak for the groom's side and the bride's side in a formal poetic exchange, and agree a bride price, and the bride's family hosts a meal. The couple wear embroidered dress or modern clothes, and the ceremony includes tying of the wrists and a gift of a blessing to the ancestors. Customs differ between White, Green and other Hmong, and between countries. The bride-capture custom, zij poj niam, is now widely seen as harmful and is illegal in many places.