Handkerchiefs out (traditional Lanna elephant back weddings)

By John Roberts
15 May 2009 04:58:00

There's nothing that brings a tear to even the toughest mahout's eye like a good old elephant back wedding and, as it has been a while since we did one, our tear ducts got a good old cleaning yesterday.

    Traditionally the groom arrives on his elephant, lead by a cacophonous parade of baby elephants, friends, family, well wishers, dowry carriers and happy hangers on etc. - yesterday Beau did the honours - on dismounting his ele it is essential to talk (bribe) his way through the gold and silver gates manned by relatives of the bride, anxious to determine his status and his abilities to keep their young cousin in the style to which she would like to become accustomed (all grooms have to do this, but I'm convinced turning up on an elephant starts things in your favour).



    The formal ceremony lead by a Brahman ajarn and nine monks is a pick-and-mix of different ancient traditions and chantings in different languages, ancient words figuratively binding the couple together as blessed strings physically do so.

    When suitably bound the happy couple rides off into the sunset on their very own ele accompanied by a slightly quieter and more subtle parade.





...when it comes to the catching of the bouquet, the Western tradition prevails, that said, either Pepsi is confused or, perhaps, the goal for an elephant is not the chance to be next in line but merely for a quick snack?