ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Minangkabau marriage

Minangkabau marriage is a type of marriage that happens in a place called Minangkabau, which is in Indonesia. It's a special kind of marriage because the Minangkabau people have a unique way of doing it.

First, the boy and the girl like each other and want to get married. But before they can, the boy has to ask the girl's mom for permission. If the mom says "yes", then they can start planning the wedding.

At the wedding, the girl's family gives the boy's family a gift as a way of saying "thank you" for taking care of their daughter. This gift is often a special kind of cloth.

After the wedding, the boy and the girl go to live with the boy's family. But it's not like a normal family, because in Minangkabau, the family house is run by the women. The women are really important and make all the big decisions.

So, the boy's mom is the boss of the family and she is very powerful. If the boy wants something or needs help, he has to ask his mom, not his dad. This is different from most families in other parts of the world.

Overall, Minangkabau marriage is unique and special because it shows how important women are in their culture.