Vietnamese Bride Receives 100 Civet Cats As Part Of Lavish Dowry

News18

3 hours ago

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A Vietnamese bride received a lavish dowry of 100 civet cats, valued at $70,000, plus gold, cash, and real estate.
In a unique and extravagant gesture, a bride in Vietnam was gifted an unusual dowry by her parents: 100 civet cats. These animals play a key role in producing Kopi Luwak, one of the priciest and most exclusive coffees globally, making the dowry both bizarre and lavish. As reported by the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the 22-year-old bride, whose identity remains undisclosed, was presented with an extravagant dowry that included not only 100 civet cats but also gold bars, large sums of cash, company shares, and several high-value real estate properties.
The 100 female civet cats alone are valued at approximately $70,000, the publication added. Alongside the animals, the bride's lavish dowry also featured 25 gold bars, $20,000 in cash, company shares worth around $11,500, seven properties, and various other assets. In response, the groom's family presented a bride price consisting of 10 gold bars, $7,600 in cash, and a collection of diamond jewellery.
Speaking to the SCMP, the bride's father shared that his intention behind the unusual dowry was to provide his daughter with income-generating assets to support her financial independence. 'My daughter graduated from business school and is more than capable of managing these resources," he said. 'Regardless of how it's done, the goal is to ensure her independence," he also stated. He added that it was completely her choice whether to keep and raise the civet cats or sell them.
Online reactions to the extravagant dowry were mixed. Many praised the gesture, noting that it stood in stark contrast to more conventional dowry customs in other parts of the world. Supporters applauded the forward-thinking approach of giving business-oriented assets, arguing that empowering a daughter to manage her enterprise is far more valuable than simply giving her cash.
Not everyone shared the enthusiasm. Critics raised ethical concerns about the use of wildlife, pointing out the potential for animal exploitation. They urged greater consideration of the moral implications of involving animals in both commerce and marital traditions.
In Vietnam, civet cats are seen as valuable assets, with a single female typically priced around $700, and pregnant ones commanding over $1,000. These animals are essential to the production of Kopi Luwak, a premium coffee made using beans that have been eaten, digested, and excreted by civets before being collected, cleaned, and roasted.
Apart from their role in coffee production, civets are also prized for their meat, considered a luxury delicacy in both China and Vietnam. Additionally, they are used in traditional Chinese medicine, further contributing to their high market value.