One of the best ways to understand traditional Malay culture is to participate in a Malay wedding, which is fascinating and steeped in age-old traditions. A Malay wedding begins with an 'akad nikah' ceremony. The groom signs the marriage contract and agrees to provide the bride with a 'mas kahwin' or dowry. On the day of the wedding, the groom arrives with his entourage of relatives and friends. He is accompanied by musicians beating the 'kompang' ( a percussion instrument) and followers carrying the 'bunga manggar' or palm blossoms. As they arrive at the bride�s home, the entourage will be greeted with the sprinkling of yellow rice and scented water.