This study explored the ethnobotanical practices embedded in traditional wedding ceremonies in Gorontalo, Indonesia, with a focus on the diverse plant species used during the bride’s treatment stage. These practices are deeply rooted in cultural values and ancestral wisdom, serving not only as physical beautification rituals but also as spiritual preparations for marriage. Despite their significance, documentation of these ethnobotanical traditions remain scarce, raising concerns about the loss of valuable local knowledge. The research was conducted in Tapa District, Bone Bolango Regency of Indonesia, using qualitative methods to capture the complexity and cultural richness of these traditions. Data collection included direct observation, semi-structured interviews with key informants such as traditional healers and elderly women, and visual documentation. Informants were selected through snowball sampling to ensure in-depth and accurate information from individuals recognized for their expertise in wedding customs. Descriptive analysis was employed to categorize the plants, their parts, and their specific uses. A total of 30 plant species from 13 botanical families were identified. These species include trees (15%), herbs (26.7%), shrubs (20%), and lianas (3.3%). Most of the plants (76.7%) are cultivated in home gardens or local surroundings, while 23.3% are collected from the wild. Twelve different plant parts are used in the bride’s treatment, including fruits, leaves, stems, seeds, rhizomes, bark, sap, flowers and tubers. These are utilized in various traditional applications such as taluhu yilonuwa (flower water), molungudu (traditional steam bath), mato lo umonu (herbal body treatment), bada’a (herbal cosmetic powder), and tilangge (natural nail coloring). Each preparation carries symbolic meanings associated with health, fertility, prosperity and spiritual balance, reflecting the community’s holistic worldview on beauty and well-being. These rituals are passed down through generations and performed with great care, making them integral to the cultural identity of the Gorontalo people. The findings highlight the urgent need to preserve this rich ethnobotanical heritage amid modernization and changing lifestyles. By documenting these practices, the study contributes to safeguarding traditional ecological knowledge and promotes the integration of cultural heritage into broader discussions on biodiversity conservation, cultural sustainability, and the value of indigenous knowledge systems in contemporary society. Key words: bride treatment, cultural preservation, ethnobotany, Gorontalo community, plant usage
Ahmad et al. (Fri,) studied this question.