In today’s contemporary world, most couples can choose between modern wedding attire and traditional garments. However, within the Dusun Tatana ethnic community, cultural identity remains firmly preserved, particularly in their wedding customs. Typically, modern outfits such as gowns and suits are worn during the main wedding ceremony or dinner receptions, while traditional attire is reserved for customary rituals. This approach balances showcasing cultural nuances through wedding attire and accommodating contemporary preferences without causing conflict within the community.

Regarding traditional attire, the bride’s wedding dress is known as Sira Lambung, which resembles a kebaya but features slits on the sleeves and is complemented by a striped fabric called Piwaris. The dress is adorned with beadwork forming floral patterns on the chest. Around the waist, the bride wears a sarong tied diagonally in a 'V' shape, secured with a silver belt called Botungkat. Additional decorative accessories include silver necklaces and bracelets made of silver or copper. For the headpiece, the bride adorns her hair bun with small flowers.

For the groom, the traditional attire is called Sira Dambia. This outfit includes a shirt with a pocket, often decorated with a neatly placed handkerchief. Sira Dambia is commonly paired with a long sash called Sandai, which is draped diagonally over the shoulder and wrapped around the groom’s body. However, some grooms prefer not to wear the Sandai and opt for a plain outfit without the sash. The groom’s adornment is minimal, limited to the Sigar, a headpiece featuring a tail-like knot at the back.

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The engagement and marriage customs of the Dusun Tatana community encompass a structured traditional process. Beginning with the interest of a young man in the woman of his choice and culminating in marriage, these customs adhere to the regulations set forth by this ethnic group. Below is an outline of the stages in Dusun Tatana engagement and marriage traditions:

1) Engagement

The engagement process begins with the role of an elder, either a man or a woman, who acts as a mediator known as the “Susuruan”. This individual is chosen for their wisdom, trustworthiness within the community, and negotiation skills in matters of marriage. The Susuruan represents the man’s family in delivering the marriage proposal to the woman’s family after the man expresses his desire to marry her. This tradition is typically conducted on auspicious days, such as Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday, which are believed to bring blessings.

Once the proposal is delivered, the woman’s family is given time to discuss and set a date for the Susuruan to return for an answer. If the proposal is accepted, the woman’s family prepares a meal as a gesture of agreement and unity between the two families. Conversely, if the proposal is rejected, the process ends without dispute, with the rejection conveyed respectfully and truthfully, reflecting the community’s culture of mutual respect.

For accepted proposals, the engagement date is set based on mutual agreement between the families. The chosen date often considers auspicious days and months, typically favouring even numbers, which are believed to bring balance and harmony. The engagement expenses are fully borne by the man’s family, but the amount depends on their financial capability, allowing flexibility without imposing undue burden.

Customarily, the engagement dowry includes, a buffalo or pig, a pair of traditional fabrics, a gold engagement ring, a gold bracelet, Household expenses set at a reasonable amount, a Talak payment of RM500. These items symbolize the man’s readiness to shoulder his responsibilities as a husband and show respect to the woman’s family.

During the engagement period, strict rules are observed to protect the couple’s honour. Intimate relationships before marriage are prohibited. The woman is also not allowed to leave her home without her fiancé’s permission, which is aimed at preserving her dignity and avoiding gossip. If the woman violates these rules, she is subjected to a fine (Sogit), requiring her to return all expenses incurred by the man during the engagement. If the man violates the agreement, his expenses are forfeited. These structured rules highlight how Dusun Tatana customs serve as a social mechanism to ensure engagement is upheld with respect and responsibility.

2) Kotoliban/Sepangadak

Kotoliban or Sepangadak is a significant tradition observed in cases of Langkah Bendul, where a younger daughter marries before her older sisters. This practice seeks to uphold family harmony and express respect toward the elder sisters who have not yet married. In such instances, the younger sister who marries first is required to present Kotoliban gifts as a gesture of respect and to seek the blessings of her older sisters.

The Kotoliban gifts typically include symbolic items such as a Dundung or Sigar (headgear), a set of Sira (traditional Tatana attire), a Gonob (sarong), and a gold ring. These gifts are presented during the handing over of the wedding dowry. The elder sisters who receive the gifts then bestow their blessings on their younger sister as an expression of support and sincerity.

3. Handing Over the Balun (Wedding Dowry)

The process of handing over the Balun or wedding dowry is usually conducted one month or one week before the wedding ceremony. Representatives from the groom’s family, accompanied by a small entourage, present the Balun in accordance with tradition, typically in the morning. Morning is considered the most auspicious time to ensure the wedding ceremony proceeds smoothly. The bride’s family ensures that all the dowry items are accurate and complete, as agreed upon during the engagement ceremony. The items included in the Balun typically consist of:

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