As a society that truly embraces their cultural heritages and traditions, people in East Flores considered marriage as a prominent local wisdom that has lasted for generations. They believe that marriage takes a special position in their cultural treasure, hence, a couple who wishes to get married must go through certain mandatory stages before their marriage is called official. Such stages include the first meeting of the couple’s family, the introduction ceremony, and before they step into the wedding celebration, they have to undergo the dowries-giving ritual first as part of the traditional wedding ceremony in Flores.

Yes, belis or the wedding dowries are no less important elements for the whole process. In fact, people in East Flores are known to deeply prioritize them in their wedding. The dowries, which are given by the future groom’s family to the future bride’s family, signify a respectful symbol of guarding the future bride’s honor before the couple officially ties the knot.

The most substantial process of dowries-giving process is the meeting of the couple’s families. According to the tradition, both families have to sit down together to discuss the amount of dowries required. Basically, it is determined by several factors, such as the level of education, family background, position in the family, also the other individual or social related factors. However, the amount requested by the future bride’s family can be negotiated by the representatives of both sides until they reach an agreement. The agreement is later celebrated with a feast of pork and vegetables.

In their wedding celebration, the couple is dressed with traditional costumes and standing before the chief of ceremony, who is in charge of validating the sacred bond between the two. Amidst the entire ceremony, the wedding dowries are wrapped and decorated with Flores-typical woven boxes like Sobe, Dese, Keleka and Toba, which definitely deliver the significant breath of Flores uniqueness to the glorious event.

Nowadays, these woven boxes are not only being used by the people in Flores and in traditional wedding ceremony only. They can also fit in the modern, rustic-themed weddings, as they would make such exquisite elements that uplift the honorable meaning behind the dowries, and thoroughly embellishing the whole celebration.