Útel marriage

Marriages among the Útels are usually held during the evening, though the exact place differs by countries; outside the groom's home in Malónat, in a gazebo-like structure in Kanot, or in front of an ancestral shrine in Kaiqonon.
Scented wood is placed in a ceremonial vessel, wine is poured over it and then lit, while the couple and elders from each family sit around it on woven mats. The groom's left hand is bound to the bride's right with a special thread, then the couple hold their hands over the smoke rising from the vessel, circle around it three times while saying their wows.
The couple, now married, are given necklaces to show their status before retreating into the groom's house, while the guests hold a feast in the garden for the rest of the night.
Common dishes include nal-grain bread, steamed bee-larvae with acorn meal, pork with honey and raisins, all downed with wine or mead.
A similar ceremony is found among the Jaarels, Ameders and Mörkels.

Components and tools

* Scented wood.
* Wine.
* Ceremonial vessel.
* A thread, often particoloured or adorned with colourful stones or beads.
* Special reed mats.
* Plenty of food and drink!

Related Ethnicities

• Útels