Invited to a Surinamese wedding? Suriname’s many communities each bring their own traditions, from Hindustani fire rituals to Javanese ceremonies and Creole celebrations with kaseko music. Here is what guests can expect.
Photo: Rejaul Karim / Unsplash
Colourful and festive; avoid white, which is reserved for the bride at many weddings. Cover shoulders and knees at religious ceremonies.
Money in an envelope is the most common gift; at Hindustani weddings, close family may also give gold.
From one day for many Creole weddings to several days of ceremonies for Hindustani and Javanese weddings.
Gefeliciteerd!: Congratulations! (Dutch, Suriname’s official language)
Reply as the invitation asks, and check which ceremonies and days you are invited to.
Suriname is home to people of Hindustani, Creole, Javanese, Maroon, Chinese, Indigenous and European heritage, among others, and weddings reflect this diversity. Many couples follow the traditions of their community or faith, and couples from different backgrounds often combine customs. The same is true in the Netherlands, where many Surinamese families live.
A Hindustani wedding is often spread over several days. Ceremonies may include mehndi, when the bride’s hands and feet are decorated with henna, and the vivaah, the wedding ceremony itself, in which the couple walk around a sacred fire, each round symbolising a vow. The bride often wears a red or gold sari or lehenga. A Javanese wedding usually combines an Islamic ceremony, the ningkah, with traditional Javanese rituals, such as a cleansing ceremony in which family and friends take turns to bless the couple, and a thanksgiving meal; gamelan music may play. A Creole wedding is often a church or civil ceremony followed by a lively party, with kaseko and kawina music, dancing and dishes such as pom and moksi alesi. Customs vary between families, faiths and generations.
Whatever the tradition, expect generous food, music and plenty of dancing. Guests usually give their envelope when congratulating the couple, at the start of the party or, at some Hindustani weddings, during the ceremony.
Surinamese weddings are often big family occasions, and families with younger children are frequently welcome, but check the invitation. Multi-day weddings can be tiring, so choose the parts that suit your family and bring snacks and a change of clothes.
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If a colleague invites you, a money envelope is the usual gift. It is fine to ask which ceremonies you are invited to and what to wear.
It depends on the tradition. Many Creole weddings take one day, Javanese weddings often two to three days and Hindustani weddings several days of ceremonies.
Money in an envelope is the most common gift. Give it when you congratulate the couple, or follow the hosts’ lead.
Best not. White is usually reserved for the bride. Bright, festive colours are almost always welcome.
