Van Kieu ethnic minority in Quang Tri (Quảng Trị)
believes that love and marriage mark matureness of each individual,
when he/she is able to be self-aware of and to make decisions for
his/her life. Before deciding a marriage, boys and girls have to
experience a certain period of time in order to find out about their
partner(s) who will soon become their spouse, one of the most
significant stages is "di Sim đi Sim".
Moonrise is the right time for the custom of "di Sim".
"Di
Sim" is a traditional custom and also a cultural trait manifesting
habits and customs of Van Kieu residents in Quang Tri for generations.
This is a way of learning more about their partners as well as
expressing their love to each other of Van Kieu boys and girls
"Di
Sim" is when they are allowed to sleep in Xu houses, to offer each
other romantic love songs. This custom also furthermore allows them to
sleep at field-houses in forests. If two people fall in love with each
other, the boy will present the girl a silver bracelet (or a necklace)
symbolizing his love. It is also defined that these two people are not
allowed to have any sexual relationship before their wedding. If this
rule is violated, they will be expelled out of their community.
The
most ideal time for this custom "đi Sim" is at moonrise, especially at
bright moonlit nights. From moons to moons, Van Kieu boys and girls
have been keeping this custom of "đi Sim" as their indispensable trait
of culture.
