THE CULTURE AND CUSTOM OF THE MALAY COMMUNITY: THE CUSTOM OF RECEIVING A DAUGHTER IN-LAW

The purpose of the custom of receiving the daughter-in-law is to ensure that the bond between the families of both the newly-wed couple remains tight. This custom is still practiced today.

The term receiving the daughter in-law means to bring to welcome the arrival of the bride, whichever is applicable. Generally, this custom is conducted in a closed manner parallel with Islamic teaching, and is only confined to close families. The event starts with a thanksgiving prayer followed by a reception without an elaborate sitting on the dais ceremony.

This custom is held two or three days after the sitting on the dais ceremony at the bride residence. The bride close relatives and villagers then usher the newly-wed couple to the groom residence. This sending ceremony is called blarok, while on the groom side is called receiving the daughter-in-law.