Looking back: Day 1 (updated with new photos)

[pictures are courtesy of Ronna Nirmala, an aspiring journo AND photographer]

"How did you feel, getting married?"

"What is it like, married life?"

Those are the two questions I've been hearing post-Nov. 19. I've been answering with a single word, a nod, and a smile. So now let's have a look at question number 1: How did I feel that day?

Well, all vendors aside, Nov. 17-19 felt surreal to me. It began on Thursday, where everyone started to prepare my house for the Siraman and Midodareni the next day.

The giddiness and anxiety grew even bigger on Friday, when everyone gathered for my Javanese rituals. I prepared myself some text to read for the Sungkeman, but still, the lump in my throat was so big, I couldn't say the words clearly.

It was a modest celebration, really. After I was bathed, I stayed in my room getting my hair and makeup done for Midodareni. I heard laughters from outside, when my parents did the Dodol Dawet ritual where they sold Es Cincau to the guests with fake money. In Javanese tradition, it's believed to attract and symbolize that people will come flocking to the wedding party.

As dusk settled, Bangun's family arrived in my house for Midodareni. Correct me if I'm wrong, but in Javanese, this ritual symbolizes the night where angels come down from heaven to guard the bride. The groom and his family, except his parents, visit the bride's house to check if she's still in good health.

However, the bride cannot go out of her room and only female relatives of the groom can check on her. They also delivered the Seserahan boxes. The groom is not allowed to see his bride, nor is he allowed to eat and drink anything but mineral water. The latter is believed to prevent him from getting poisoned by any unhappy family member.

At this point, I felt like a school girl before a big date, except that I couldn't see my date. I kept asking anyone how Bangun looked like and wanted so much to get out.

But of course I had to wait for another day to see him. After everyone was gone that night, it became even more surreal that in the next 24 hours I would be married and having the reception. Just when I'd thought I was under the spotlight for a whole day, it hit me that Saturday would be an even bigger day.