Brides-to-be of the Gie tribe in the central highlands province of Dak Lak now have to obtain a permit to chop down trees as a traditional wedding gift for the groom’s family, according to A Quang, deputy head at the People’s Committee at Dak Man commune, Dak Glei district.

For illustrative purpose only

Quang said many tribal women have followed the tradition and cut down hundreds of logs, which may lead to deforestation. 

Thus, the local authorities have decided that a permit is to be obtained from the management board at the Ngok Linh natural reserve zone or forest rangers before they are allowed cut any tree. 

Those brides-to-be who chop without a permit may face severe penalty.

Under matriarchy system, a woman of the Gie tribe living in Lo Xo mountain pass who has found a good match has to organize a pre-wedding ceremony. She has to go into the forest and bring back 300 logs, which are of 10-15cm in diameters and 1-1.2m in length. 

On the big day, the bride and her family will have to carry all logs to the groom’s house, and ask his family to marry her and have him move to her house.

Source: Tuoi Tre