The proceedings begin with the arrival of the Groom and his entourage at the Brides home. The group accompanying the Groom consists of family and friends, but leading the procession will be drummers and traditional folk dancers, whose lively celebrations announce their arrival to all around.
Banana leaves and sugar cane are paraded like banners by some of the attendants, while others bear the traditional gifts of the Khan Makk, which includes rice, sesame seeds, Thai food for the feast and many Thai desserts, as well as monetary gifts and other precious items, such as gold and jewellery, which will make up the dowry to the Brides parents later on in the ceremony. Many of these gifts represent important aspects of the marriage, such as health, prosperity, fertility and longevity.
The Thai desserts to be eaten as part of the feast consists of 9 different items. The number 9 is important in Thai society and its' use on occasions such as this is regarded as very lucky.
The timing of the procession is also important, as it will have been calculated to occur at the most auspicious moment for the couple. It is also common for the lucky number 9 to figure in these calculations as well.
When the procession finally arrives at the Brides home they will be met by the Brides family, who will invite the Groom into the home to conduct the next part of the ceremony........