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In the Land of Smiles, events which happen only once in a person’s lifetime are believed to be auspicious. Naturally, celebrations held for such events require the preparation of certain savoury dishes and sweets that are also considered lucky. The Thai believe that a food’s name, its significance and its color determine its appropriateness for such occasions.
Noodles are a must in Thai weddings, particularly Khanom Jeen Nam Yaa, which are round, white fermented rice noodles served with a spicy pureed fish meat sauce. The long and chewy noodles are believed to represent longevity and durability; hence, when served at a wedding will make the union last long. Mee krawb, which are crisp-fried rice noodles, may also be prepared since they have the same significance as the Khanom Jeen.
Kaeng Massaman, which is a mild curry, is another savoury dish that is deemed lucky because of its name. The final syllable in the dish’s name, man, means firm dedication and the achievement of ambitions through perseverance. These allusions can only bring all things good to a newly-married couple.
A dish that consists of banana leaf cups filled with a spicy coconut cream custard with fish and herbs is also considered lucky because of its name. It is called Haw Moke. The word haw means to bundle together; in the context of a marriage or a family, it is perceived to mean that its members remain affectionate and closely-knit.
A pork recipe called Muu Naem and sausages are two savory dishes that always go together so much so that they have come to symbolize a lasting union. Both dishes make use of minced pork and other ingredients like peanuts, toasted rice, pickled garlic, shallots and the zest of a citrus called som saa. The results is a dish that leaves a salty, sour and sweet flavor to the mouth. The preparation of these dishes is quite complicated and difficult so they are reserved for special occasions.
The Thai also love their sweets and there is no shortage of them when it comes to important celebrations like weddings. Egg-yolk based desserts, which are associated with gold because of their color and names containing the Thai word for gold (thong), are always included. Foy Thong, also known as golden silk threads, are made of egg yolks and sugar syrup. The threads are long, symbolizing everlasting love between the couple getting married. Thong Yawd means golden tear drop and that is precisely how it looks. It is made from egg yolk, sugar, rice flour and jasmine essence and has a teardrop shape. It is said to symbolize the sweetness of the love shared by the couple and its golden color symbolizes good fortune for the newlyweds.
Other sweets served in weddings are the Khanom Tuay Foo (a light dessert made from rice flour, sugar and jasmine essence that symbolizes a growing love), Khanom Kareaw (a sweet bread that looks like a woven cord which symbolizes that the bride and groom will be joined forever), Met Khanoon (which means and looks like jackfruit seeds and imply that whatever the newlyweds do in life they will always have the support of the people around them) and Khanom Chan (a colorful rice flour-based dessert that is usually shaped like roses which represent the newlyweds moving forward in life and building their own family). These sweets may also be offered by the groom as gifts to the bride’s family when he comes for her on their wedding day.
All these dishes are prepared by the most competent cooks so they are absolutely delicious. So while they promise only good fortune in the future, those partaking of them in the banquet are already experiencing first hand the good things and tastes they bring.
