Seserahan trays: what goes on them and why

Seserahan are the gifts the groom’s side presents as a sign it is ready to marry. In Chinese-Indonesian tradition the main seserahan are delivered at the Sangjit, while the Tingjing usually brings lighter gifts.

Other Indonesian traditions have seserahan too, including the Balinese ngidih. This page is about Sangjit trays.

The number of trays is always even, with 6, 8 and 12 the most common. Four is avoided because it sounds like the word for death.

No single number is right for every family. The count is usually agreed between the two families after the Tingjing, following their customs and what will be carried. For a Sangjit, MYS most often prepares 8 to 12 trays.

These are the items found most often in Indonesia. Not every family uses all of them.

Jewellery

A necklace or a full set, a symbol of the bond. Some families avoid the number four in its weight. Teochew families are known for a set of four gold pieces called si dian jin.

Milk-money angpao

Thanks to the bride’s parents for raising her. Her family may keep part or all of it, and what that means depends on the family’s customs.

Party-money angpao

A contribution to the reception. In many families the bride’s side keeps only part and returns the rest.

Clothing and fabric

Usually red, sometimes with a bag or shoes. It says the groom will keep his wife clothed and cared for.

Cosmetics and toiletries

Skincare, make-up and a mirror. A full set or just a few pieces.

Fruit

In even numbers, such as 12 or 18, often oranges and apples. A symbol of peace, fortune and prosperity. Half usually goes back.

Dragon and phoenix candles

Two pairs of red candles with dragon (liong) and phoenix (hong), tied with red ribbon, for protection. The bride’s family keeps one pair and returns the other.

Cakes and sweets

Sweet, sticky cakes such as kue keranjang, red kue mangkok, sesame cakes or pia, in even numbers. A wish for a harmonious marriage.

Drinks

Two bottles of arak, red wine or champagne. The bride’s family often exchanges them for two bottles of red syrup.

Pig’s trotters, or a substitute

A pair of pig’s trotters, or canned food instead. Cantonese and Hakka families sometimes use roast pork. This item can be swapped by agreement between the families.

The bride’s family returns part of the gifts and adds return gifts of its own. Giving part back signals that the proposal is accepted and that the bride’s family wants to stay close to the groom’s.

Common return gifts: half the fruit, cakes and food; a set of clothes and accessories for the groom; one pair of dragon candles; two bottles of red syrup; any party money being returned; and angpao for the tray bearers.

Tray contents differ between Hokkien, Hakka, Teochew, Cantonese and Peranakan families, and even between families of the same group. The list above is the pattern seen most often in Indonesia. The final word is the two families’ agreement, and the parents’ view usually decides it.

For the seserahan, MYS fills and arranges the trays, and also rents out tray sets.

Styling

MYS fills and arranges the trays and explains what every item means, so the parents can check nothing is missing.

Tray sets

Pagoda trays shaped like small houses, the MYS signature, and tiered acrylic trays, chosen to suit the colour scheme.

Tray rental

Trays can also be rented, with or without the decor. MYS delivers them to the home or venue and collects them after the event.

Tray contents

This is agreed with each family. The family prepares the jewellery, angpao and clothing. Fruit, cakes, candles and syrup can also come from the family, or MYS can supply them on request.