One of the rituals that falls into life-facing ritual is marriage ritual. Marriage in toraja language is called Rampanan Kapa', lying down of the kapa'. Kapa' is the penalty paid by marriage partner who is responsible for dissolving the marriage bond. Kapa' is counted in buffaloes and pigs and its sum is based on the agreement and social status of both partners. Traditionally, the regulations were as follows: for the highest noble class (tana' bulaan) the kapa' is 24 buffaloes, for the lower noble class (tana' bassi) the kapa' is 7 buffaloes, for the commoners (tana' karurung) the kapa' is 2 buffaloes, and the last caste (tana' kua-kua) the kapa' is one pig. In general kapa' is pail by the partner who causes the divorce. But kapa' should also be paid in the event of urromok bubun dirangkang that is when someone commits adultery with a widow whose husband's funeral has not yet been completed. In this case, the kapa' payment is accepted by the family of the widow's former husband. The cancellation of a marriage also calls for the payment of kapa'.

The partner who cancels it should pay half of the customary sum of kapa'.

In former times marriages were arranged. During that time females married at an early age (13 to 15 years), but in the past several decades this situation has changed. With the introduction of education, girls spend more time at school. Although a young man is free to marry a wife, parents may refuse his choice. the parent's refusal of their marriage may result elopement.
According to toraja people, marriage is the starting point of family development. Hence, this ceremony should be held as simple as possible, much simpler than death ritual. Only chicken or pig may be killed at this ritual but not buffalo. After the wedding both partners will stay in girl's parent’s home until they manage to build the new Tongkonan.

 

Source: LIFE AND DEATH IN toraja by STANISLAUS SANDARUPA