Thai Wedding, Alhambra, CA, 1991
Joseph carries Pat over the door sill, a custom handed down from China and ancient Rome and which continues to be practiced in many countries. The custom is rooted in a belief that the threshold of their new home may be haunted by spirits. A new bride must be protected from countless evil influences.
Katrina Thomas's notes: Most Thais emigrated to the U.S. between 1971 and 1990, largely to the West Coast. A Buddhist temple, known as a wat, serves as their civic center and couples may seek a blessing for marriage from resident monks. The couple makes no vows. On the morning of the wedding, they invite monks from a nearby temple to bless them. After the monks are fed and leave, the families unite the two by having the bridegroom give her jewelry and put a ring on her finger. Prior to congratulating the newlyweds, the bride's grandmother places two linked crowns of white threads on their heads, which emphasize their individual identities while joining their destinies. Well-wishers pour sacred water over their clasped hands. However, the couple is married only in the eyes of family and friends, not by law, until they make their vows before an officiant licensed by the state.
Thomas, Katrina (photographer)
1991
1 photograph : black-and-white
reformatted digital
North and Central America--United States--California--Los Angeles--Alhambra
BMC-M59
Photographer's categories: Conjugal home , Newlyweds , Threshold custom , Evil spirits
BMC-M59_60-07