The
House
of Ding.

Sangjit

• Posted February 20th, 2009
• by Chris
• 1 comment

Om Thomas accompanies Joe on the keyboard

Tonight my family joined Agnes’ family at their house for the traditional pre-matrimonial gift exchange, called Sangjit. Sangjit is a Chinese tradition that, from what I’m told, differs quite a bit from family to family. For our Sanjit, we each exchanged eight decorated baskets of gifts (clothes, shoes, perfume, jewelry). Although mostly symbolic now, sangjit is traditionally meant to provide everything a couple would need in their new life together.

To start the ceremony, I entered her parents’ house followed by my family and eight unmarried boys (nes’ cousins) carrying the eight baskets. Inside, the eight baskets were handed to eight girls; usually the bride’s friends or family. Ang pao is then given to the eight gift carriers in appreciation of their help. Typically, the girls will immediately do the same, carrying in eight baskets of gifts for the groom. Our sangjit included a mini Catholic mass at the house — priest and all.

It was quite an affair. Agnes’ parents ordered lots of food (nasi tumpeng, a variety of dejen pasar, several soups, and much more) and a giant tent for the front yard to accommodate the 100+ guests. Agnes used the opportunity to get a trial run of her wedding makeup and hairstyling.

Agnes’ makeup is removed — transforming her back into the person I know and love.

Afterwards, we ate more and mingled with her family that had arrived from all over Indonesia for the wedding. Another exhausting day but only a warm-up for what’s in store for us Sunday.