A Malaysian man has left many netizens heartbroken after holding a “ghost wedding” for his late fiancée, who passed away before they could officially get married.
The man, who goes by John Muaythai John on Facebook, posted videos of the ceremony on June 28, five days after his livestreamer fiancée, known as SaKira Saw, died unexpectedly.
Couple had planned to get married in November
According to John’s post, they had reportedly been planning to hold their wedding in November this year.
However, after Saw’s sudden passing, John decided to honour their promise by holding a traditional ghost wedding ceremony in Butterworth, Penang.
In Chinese culture, a ghost marriage is a ceremony where one or both parties are deceased, and is traditionally believed to unite the couple in the spiritual realm.
Walked down the aisle with her standee
During the ceremony, John was seen walking down a decorated aisle while holding a life-sized standee of Saw dressed in a wedding gown.
The venue was set up with wedding-like decorations, including a red carpet, flowers and an altar area.
Guests were also seen clapping as John and the bridal party made their way down the aisle.
The ceremony also included a tea ceremony, cake cutting session, performances and the burning of paper offerings.
‘I finally married you’
Following the ceremony, John shared an emotional tribute to his late fiancée on Facebook.
Although we couldn’t hold our wedding at the hotel we had originally planned, and instead completed our promise in this way, I believe you can still feel all the love and sincerity I have for you.
Just like we promised, meeting you in this lifetime has been my greatest blessing.
He also said that their love had not changed because of the separation, and promised to look after their children and family.
The funeral for Saw was held on June 29, a day after the ghost wedding.
While the ceremony was not the wedding they had once planned, John’s final gesture has moved many online, with many seeing it as his way of saying goodbye while keeping the promise they once made.
