Meaning of “Engagement”

My best friend’s ( Aina Mohd. Som) engagement ceremony is being carried out today. But to my regrets, I couldn’t attend this very special occasion. I’ve never been to any Malay’s engagement ceremonies and I think I’ve just missed one. To much of my desire, I decided to look up on the net and learn about Malay’s Engagement Ceremony. “Pertunangan” seems to be a compulsory step leading towards the Big Day- The Wedding Day. Meanwhile, looking at our modern society, western- style engagement has already gained its popularity among the new generation. Making an engagement before marriage is regarded as a romantic moment and could add something unique to the new couple’s life. It also allows the two to better understand each other before they get married. Engagement ceremony accompanied by melodic music and surrounded by friends and relatives, lovers will have an unforgettable long-cherished romantic moment when the man gives the engagement ring to his sweetheart. And of course, engagement could be a start of trial marriage to a certain amount of people with different thinking and cultural background. For some people, after the engagement ceremony, the two will choose to live together “legally” and during the “trial” period, they’ll get to know whether they can live happily together with the household chores. And if they find something wrong in between , they could easily part with each other without worrying much of the financial issue. Regardless of the different meanings of engagement , I truly believe it’s something beautiful and memorable in our life.