As lavish rituals unfold and families exchange offerings beneath golden light, Trang stands quietly in the shadows of her uncle's villa—present, yet apart. While others celebrate union and prosperity, she watches from behind the veil of duty and unspoken distance.
("Vu Quy" is a traditional Vietnamese wedding rite in which the bride formally leaves her family to join the groom's. It is marked by offerings, ceremonial exchanges, and deep-rooted symbolism.)
Just as the clock struck six, Trang arrived at the villa gate. A thin layer of morning mist still blanketed the courtyard, the air crisp and clean—yet inside, the atmosphere was already buzzing with a tense urgency, as if everyone were racing against time.
Dì Tư—the housemaid who had served the family for years—opened the gate. Her face bore traces of worry, but her eyes lit up with relief when she saw Trang:
– "You're here, dear? Come help me in the kitchen—tea, cakes, candied fruits, sunflower seeds... everything needs to be ready. The groom's family is arriving soon."
Trang nodded quickly and wheeled her 50cc motorbike into a quiet corner of the courtyard. Then she followed Dì Tư into the kitchen.
Today, the usually peaceful kitchen was unusually busy and full of energy. On the table were countless trays of sweets, seeds, premium teas, and even imported fruits—all arranged in neat rows, waiting to be served.
Trang rolled up her sleeves and began assisting Dì Tư, carefully placing candied ginger, coconut ribbons, cookies, and fruit slices onto porcelain plates. The air was thick with nerves as the time of the wedding procession neared—until suddenly:
– "Hurry up, Trang! The groom's family is almost here! Everything must be perfect—we don't want to embarrass ourselves! They're from a top-tier real estate conglomerate, you hear me?"
The sharp voice of Mợ Linh (Cậu Dũng's wife) pierced through the air from the kitchen doorway. She stood there with arms crossed, her eyes scanning every one of Trang's movements with thinly veiled disdain. With a toss of her hair, she turned and walked back to her room—to continue her makeup and hair for the grand welcome.
Trang said nothing. She merely pressed her lips together and continued arranging the plates. Her calloused hands moved steadily, unfazed—like her pride had learned long ago to stand firm against words meant to wound.
At exactly 7:30 AM, the sound of honking horns echoed outside the villa gates, signaling that the groom's side had arrived. The atmosphere inside the house instantly turned more urgent and lively.
Leading the groom's family was Anh Tú—the groom and the only son of the chairman of a prestigious real estate corporation. Anh Tú stepped out from a luxurious pearl-white Mercedes Benz, tall and handsome, his face bright and confident, holding a vibrant bridal bouquet in hand. Behind him were his parents, who exuded elegance and class. Their steps were gentle yet carried undeniable authority.
Following them was the betrothal gift procession—a group of young men dressed in traditional Vietnamese Áo Dài in pastel ocean blue, with matching mấn (headpieces). Each carried one of six ceremonial trays covered with red cloth, intricately decorated with phoenix and dragon fruit arrangements handcrafted by artisans. The six trays included:
One tray of betel leaves and areca nuts, featuring a large, carefully selected cluster of green areca nuts and fresh betel leaves, accompanied by a touch of pink lime powder.
One tray of 24k gold jewelry, custom-made by a master goldsmith, sparkling under the morning sun.
One tray of premium Western liquor, consisting of a pair of high-end whisky bottles elegantly wrapped.
One tray of imported fruits, lavishly arranged with meticulous care.
One tray of traditional wedding cakes, including phu thê (husband-wife cakes), bánh cốm (green sticky rice cakes), and bánh pía, all neatly presented.
One tray of rare Shan Tuyết ancient tree tea, with round tea cakes pressed from young buds plucked by artisans from tea trees over 300 years old.
Outside the villa, the surrounding neighborhood buzzed with excitement. Curious neighbors gathered to watch, whispering and marveling:
– "This is definitely a rich people's wedding. Just look at those six trays—smells like money already!"
– "The groom's family owns a real estate empire, the bride's family runs a steel construction corporation. A power match for real!"
Back in the kitchen, Trang had just placed the final plate of candied fruit on the table when she heard the click of high heels, the rustle of fancy dresses, and lively laughter echoing through the house. She took a deep breath, her heart fluttering with a mix of nervousness and quiet resignation.
The groom's side entered the villa gates, welcomed with formality and grace by the bride's family. The wedding arch stood grandly at the entrance—handcrafted with elaborate phoenix and dragon motifs made from premium fresh flowers and gold-tinted ribbons. Hanging at the center was a heart-shaped sign reading Vu Quy (Leaving for the Groom's Home), radiating royalty, joy, and prosperity.
Inside, six young women from the bride's family stood in a solemn row, all dressed in pastel ocean-blue Áo Dài, their faces glowing with excitement. One by one, the young men from the groom's procession presented the six ceremonial trays to them. Smiles and glances were exchanged—each brief interaction laced with tradition and meaning. Every gesture was perfectly aligned with the rituals—respectful, graceful, and precise.
After the tray exchange, Cậu Dũng and Mợ Linh stepped forward to warmly receive the guests. With courteous bows, they extended their welcome:
– Please, in-laws, young Anh Tú, and the whole delegation—come inside so we may begin the Vu Quy ceremony.
The villa's living room had been lavishly decorated for the occasion. The ancestral altar glowed brightly under warm lights. On either side stood phoenix and dragon sculptures made from fresh fruits—a symbol of harmony and prosperity. The six ceremonial trays were neatly arranged on a long table covered in white lace, while the crystal chandelier above cast golden light that shimmered across every offering.
Amidst the solemn ambiance, the master of ceremonies stepped forward. In a strong, clear voice, he announced:
– Greetings, dear in-laws! On this auspicious day, our family humbly presents the following offerings: betel leaves and areca nuts, gold jewelry, fruits, traditional cakes, and rare tea. We respectfully ask for your permission to carry out the bridal procession.
Polite applause followed. Cậu Dũng and Mợ Linh exchanged approving glances, clearly pleased with the groom's family's meticulous preparations. The room held a quiet reverence tinged with joy.
From behind a doorway, Trang stood silently, watching the ceremony unfold. Her eyes took in the scene before her, and a faint ripple stirred within her heart.
After the formal greetings and ceremonial tray exchange, both families sat down across from each other on opposite sides of the grand living room. A hushed solemnity settled over the space as the master of ceremonies stepped forward, his voice calm and authoritative:
– "Now, the groom, Anh Tú, will offer incense at the bride's ancestral altar and present the ceremonial offerings, which include tea, wine, and fruits. Following that, we will proceed with the lighting of the phoenix-and-dragon candles."
Tall and handsome in his tailored suit, Anh Tú adjusted his collar, then stepped forward with quiet confidence. Bowing respectfully, he lit the incense and placed the sticks on the altar. The wisps of smoke curled delicately upward, as if drawing a spiritual thread between the ancestors of both families. The ceremonial candles, shaped as a dragon and phoenix, were then lit by the master himself and carefully placed on either side of the incense burner, their flickering glow casting a sacred warmth over the ancestral space.
Once again, the voice of the officiant echoed through the room:
– "Now, may we ask the bride to come out for the ceremony."
Mợ Linh gently stepped behind the silk curtain and, moments later, emerged, lightly holding the bride's arm.
Anh Đào, radiant in her bridal glory, wore a striking red Áo Dài crafted from premium brocade that hugged her graceful figure. Her hair was styled in soft waves, and atop her head rested a traditional red headdress adorned with intricate phoenix-tail embroidery, gold threads, and tiny gemstone embellishments. She looked regal—elegant yet demure.
Every gaze in the room followed her as she walked forward. The atmosphere was reverent, touched by beauty and tradition.
From a quiet corner, Trang watched in silence. Something unspoken stirred within her—a fleeting pang, soft and distant—like a minor note in the midst of a joyous symphony.
As Anh Đào was gently led to the center of the living room by her mother, the glimmering chandelier cast a soft, radiant light over her figure, highlighting the graceful beauty of the bride in her traditional Vietnamese red Áo Dài.
The groom, Anh Tú, stepped forward and handed her a bouquet of fresh, vibrant flowers. Then the master of ceremonies took his place once more, his voice steady and resonant:
– "Now, the bride and groom will offer betel leaves and areca nuts to the ancestral altar, as a sign of respect and gratitude to their forebears."
Anh Tú and Anh Đào opened the ceremonial tray, carefully selecting the ripest green areca nuts, the freshest betel leaves, and a small amount of powdered lime. They placed them neatly onto a plate and solemnly presented them at the altar.
With a tone of reverence, the officiant continued:
– "The bride and groom will now light incense and bow to the ancestors, in remembrance of their roots and with deep filial piety."
He assisted them in lighting two incense sticks and handed them over. Anh Đào and Anh Tú, side by side, bowed deeply as they offered the incense, the smoke spiraling upward in silent reverence.
Then came another formal announcement:
– "The groom's family has prepared six trays of offerings: betel and areca, jewelry, cakes, wine, fruits, and Shan Tuyết ancient snow tea."
One by one, he unveiled each tray with careful precision. The tray of jewelry shimmered under the lights, golden and resplendent.
The mother of the groom, a refined and elegant woman, stood and walked forward gracefully. She opened the ornate jewelry box containing a pair of earrings, a collar necklace, a bracelet, and a pendant—all crafted from 24-karat gold, with intricate, exquisite designs.
With gentle hands and a tender gaze, she adorned her new daughter-in-law with each piece. Her eyes held both pride and warmth. Every item she placed was a silent blessing for a future of love and harmony.
Afterward, Anh Tú reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a pair of diamond wedding rings, their brilliance catching the light. Taking her hand, he slipped the ring onto her finger, and she did the same for him. The diamonds sparkled—like witnesses to the sacred vow they had just made.
The officiant once again stepped forward, his voice deep and warm:
– "Now, the bride and groom will serve wine to both sets of parents. This is a gesture of gratitude—for birth, for raising, for love."
He carefully poured the wine into delicate glasses arranged neatly on a silver tray, then handed each to the newlyweds.
Holding the glass with both hands, Anh Tú respectfully approached his bride's parents, bowing slightly:
– "I respectfully offer this wine to Ba and Má (Mom and Dad) . I wish you good health, endless happiness, and joy. I promise to cherish and protect our family so you may always feel at peace."
Anh Đào, graceful and sincere, turned to her in-laws with the wine in hand:
– "Please allow me to offer this wine to Ba and Má. I wish you robust health and lasting happiness. I am deeply grateful to you for raising and nurturing Anh Tú into the wonderful man I am marrying today."
The atmosphere was both solemn and full of heartfelt emotion.
From a quiet corner of the room, Trang watched silently. Her eyes softened. In her heart, a quiet wish arose. She didn't long for a lavish ceremony, for glitter or gold. All she truly desired was a man who would love her with all his heart—a love that was real, and hers alone.
**Áo Dài**:
The *Áo Dài* is the traditional Vietnamese long dress, worn especially during important events such as weddings, festivals, or ceremonies. It features a fitted, high-necked bodice with long, flowing panels over silk pants. It is a symbol of elegance, grace, and feminine beauty.
**Six Wedding Gift Trays (Sáu Tráp Lễ Vật)**:
In a traditional Vietnamese engagement or wedding ceremony (*lễ vu quy*), the groom's family brings an even number of beautifully decorated red trays (usually 6 or 8), carried by young male relatives or friends dressed in traditional outfits, to present to the bride's family. These trays include symbolic offerings representing respect, commitment, and blessings. Common items are:
- **Areca nut and betel leaves (Trầu Cau)** – Symbol of sincere love, binding commitment, and a wish for lasting unity.
- **Tea or wine** – Representing hospitality and family connection.
- **Sweet cakes and candied fruits** – Wishing for a sweet and happy marriage.
- **Fresh fruits** – Symbolizing fertility and prosperity.
- **Jewelry or envelopes with money** – A gesture of financial security and generosity.
- **Incense and ceremonial items** – For honoring ancestors and family spirits.
These trays are not just gifts, but a formal declaration of the groom's respect for the bride and her family, rooted in Vietnam's rich traditions.