Hundreds of villagers in Kandal province yesterday celebrated an unusual and somewhat mismatched “marriage” between two snakes.

The newlywed pythons are four-metre-long female Chamroeun, who tips the scales at 90 kilogrammes, and Ar Krong Pich, who weighs 20 kilogrammes and is a quarter as long as his new “wife”.

The ceremony, held in Sa’ang district’s Svay Ralum commune, was conducted to ward off what villagers believe is impending bad luck.

Neth Vy, 41, owner of Chamroeun, said many villagers believed the marriage would bring prosperity.

Neth Vy said that a “possessed person” made the initial wedding suggestion, which was dismissed as superstition. However, the idea quickly spread and gained credence among the local populace.

Hin Mao, the owner of Ar Krong Pich, said she caught her snake just 13 days ago. When Neth Vy contacted her regarding the betrothal of the two pythons, she agreed.

The snakes will not cohabit and were taken back to their homes after the ceremony.