This bride just got the wildest dowry of this year, perhaps: 100 civet cats and...
In a unique and extravagant gesture, a young woman in Vietnam received an unusual dowry consisting of 100 civet cats, a key component in the production of the rare and costly
Kopi Luwak coffee
. This coffee, considered among the priciest in the world, is made using beans that have passed through the digestive systems of these animals. The 22-year-old bride, whose identity has not been made public, was also gifted a wide array of luxurious assets, including cash, gold, properties, company stakes, and other valuable holdings.
The dowry package was staggering in both diversity and scale. The 100 female civets alone were valued at approximately $70,000. Accompanying them were 25 gold bars, cash amounting to $20,000, corporate stock worth nearly $11,500, and ownership of seven different properties. In comparison, the groom's side presented their own wedding offering: 10 gold bars, $7,600 in cash, and a collection of diamond jewelry.
Civets hold substantial financial value in Vietnamese markets. A single female civet can command up to $700, while those expecting offspring may be sold for more than $1,000. These animals are central to producing Kopi Luwak, a gourmet beverage made from beans that have passed through the animals' digestive tracts, then cleaned, roasted, and sold at premium prices. Beyond coffee, civet meat is considered a delicacy in regions of Vietnam and China, and the animals are also integrated into traditional medicinal practices in East Asia.
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by Taboola
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The bride's father reportedly chose these assets with a long-term vision in mind. With his daughter having completed her education in business, he intended to provide her with tools that could generate sustainable income and ensure financial independence. The decision to include live animals, real estate, and corporate investments was driven by a belief in empowering her to manage real-world assets effectively. According to reports, he emphasized that it would be entirely her choice whether to breed the civets or liquidate them.
The
extravagant dowry
drew considerable attention online and sparked varied responses. Many applauded the modern and strategic nature of the dowry, praising it as a forward-thinking move that promoted self-reliance in women. Some commenters viewed it as a progressive shift from conventional dowry customs.
Yet, others raised concerns about the ethical dimensions of including wildlife in such transactions. Critics questioned the morality of utilizing animals for economic gain in marital contexts, suggesting that such practices blur the lines between tradition, commerce, and ethical responsibility. The debate highlighted broader questions about animal rights and modern values in affluent societies.
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