GETTING TO KNOW

 Wedding dowries or known as Hantaran in Malay culture is expressed as a symbol, a gift from the bride or a groom to their partners before a solemnization or an engagement in Malay weddings. Often to express gratitude, or to show their sacrifice and willingness to their partner, could also be a way to express wealth.

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WHY KEEP THE GIFTS HIDDEN?

There is an unhealthy culture that only in the past 20 years started occurring in Malay weddings which are the judgemental observations especially by the elderly of what is gifted between the bride & groom during weddings. They are more interested in the content of the dowries and tend to gossip about it. It wasn't a pleasant thing for them to hear. 

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THE  ULTIMATE REASON WHY

Wrapping of the dowries did not just start recently, but started way back in the 1960's. Back in the day, people are more sensitive of taking care of other people's feelings. Basically presenting the dowries in a certain way, it gives no reason for others to gossip about it. There are brides and grooms that feel gifting should be personal, and not to look nice on trays. Not to mention it is also cost effective.