The Origins and Role of "Bridesmaid"

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Have you ever wondered who is the bridesmaid and what does she do in Indonesia's traditional wedding?

Wedding parties in Indonesia are often celebrated in various forms; some use 'adat' according to the origin of the bride, while others use the international concept. Although it tends to be contradictory, both have several similar things, one of which is bridesmaids.

The definition of bridesmaid may vary, but commonly, bridesmaid is a chosen partner for the brides during the wedding reception. According to The Atlantic, bridesmaid is one of the traditions from Ancient Rome. During this time, local marriage law required the bride and groom to have 10 witnesses — five from the woman's side, and five from the male party — to be present at the wedding procession. The bridesmaids will wear dresses similar to brides to ward off evil spirits who want to disrupt the course of the wedding.

With the same purpose, bridesmaids in the Victorian era will accompany the bride to the altar while carrying aromatic bunches of various spices to deter evil spirits. However, bridesmaids during this period had more share than bridesmaids of the Ancient Rome period. Because this time bridesmaids participated in preparing the reception party. Yep, the bridesmaids are responsible for making ribbons and flowers for the guests present and then put them on when guests leave the reception. The role of bridesmaids in this period continues to carry over to the present time.

In the United States and several other countries, bridesmaids even need to help the bride and groom register guests who will be invited as well as arranging seats for each guest. Bridesmaids are also required to attend events before the reception event, such as a bachelorette party, bridal shower, reception dress rehearsal. On the day of the party, the bridesmaid's duty is to greet guests, ask them to fill in the guest book, and show their seats.

Meanwhile, most bridesmaids in Indonesia have tasks that are not as complicated as bridesmaids in the caucasoid countries above. Usually, they only need to be present at the reception to welcome the bride and groom before the couple walks to the altar, without any reason for faith.