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Christian marriage traditions are another joyful wedding ritual that symbolises India’s diverse culture.
Christian weddings are events that celebrate the union of a man and woman in holy matrimony. (Image: Pexels)
Christian weddings are highly recognised for their grace and simplicity. Also, Christian weddings in India combine Indian and Western traditions harmoniously. From the delicate floral wedding decor to the sparkling bridal gowns and stunning bridesmaids dressed in matching costumes, Christian weddings are a visual delight.
Furthermore, Christian weddings are wonderful ceremonies that symbolise a husband and wife joining together in holy matrimony. Biblical marriage is a lifelong ceremony typically performed in front of loved ones and represents a lifetime vow to love and respect for one another.
This wedding season, let’s explore a few Christian wedding traditions across the country:
ALSO READ: Role Of Bridesmaids And Groomsmen In Christian Weddings
WEDDING CULTURE IN GOA
Matchmaking
Previously, marriages were arranged by a middleman known as mali or raibari, who would carry the proposal to the groom’s or bride’s family and function as an intermediary between the two families, or vice versa. If the family loved either the boy or the girl, they would contact their respective families and make a proposal.
Utor
Following the decision made by the respective families, the wedding specifics are addressed, including the dowry to be handed to the bridegroom. The conversation is known as utor, or promise.
Engagement
The exchange of rings marks the formal engagement, which is generally held at the bride’s home in front of family members, priests, and other relatives.
Bridal Shower
A bridal shower is a party where a bride-to-be receives gifts in preparation for her wedding. The bride is free to do whatever she wants on her special day. She gets her favourite dish and attends a fun-filled party with her sister and pals.
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Bachelorette Party
The groom, too, has some fun before their wedding day. The to-be groom commemorates his bachelorhood with his friends by organising a cocktail party or an adventure sports trip. A bachelorette party usually includes a lot of drinking, music, and dancing.
Roce Ceremony
The Roce ceremony is akin to the Indian Haldi ceremony. The bride and groom’s family members draw a cross on their foreheads on this day. They are then blessed by having their bodies rubbed with sandalwood paste, turmeric, and oil. A sacred bath is later taken by the bride and groom.
Blessing of Wedding Dress
Once the pre-wedding rituals are completed, the wedding day traditions begin. The bride’s gown and jewellery are brought to the Catholic priest for a holy blessing.
Bridal Entrance
A bridal entry is a significant ceremonial wedding rite in Christian marriages. A Christian bride must enter the church along with her parents. The bride’s father leads her into the church, where the groom awaits her.
Wedding Mass/Wedding Vows
When the bride enters the church and stands beside her groom, the family priest reads the Bible’s testaments to everyone. The priest then explains the wedding’s religious importance to everyone. The church choir, together with the wedding guests, sings prayers to bless the new marriage.
The most exquisite part of a Christian wedding ceremony is the exchange of vows. In front of everyone, the bride and groom both make promises to be together forever. Following the exchange of vows, the couple formally seals their marriage by saying “I do” and sharing a kiss.
Wedding Thali
This Christian wedding custom is a lovely blend of Christian and Indian culture. Following the exchange of vows, the Christian groom ties a gold pendant or thali around the bride’s neck. The mangalsutra is comparable to this thali.
Tossing of the Bouquet
When the wedding liturgy is over and the newlywed couple goes out of church, the bride stands facing the opposite direction and throws her wedding bouquet into the air towards her bridesmaids. It is thought that the girl who receives the flower bouquet will marry shortly.
Reception Ceremony
A Christian wedding reception occur during the day. It is a spectacular celebration with plenty of food, entertainment, music, and dance. As part of the wedding tradition, the bride and groom participate in a variety of enjoyable games.
Wedding Toast/ Cake Cutting Ceremony
A wedding toast is given during the reception hours. During this wedding custom, the couple’s relatives and family members raise a toast to wish them a good marriage.
Following the toast, the bride and groom cut their wedding cake together and fed each other to begin a new life.
Wedding Dance Of Couple
The final ceremony on this list is a lovely wedding dance done by the couple. At the reception, the wedded couple must perform a ball dance to party music. Later, all of their wedding guests join in the dance to commemorate the wonderful occasion.
WEDDING CULTURE IN KERALA
Acharakalyanam
Acharakalyanam represents the start of wedding festivities once you find your soulmate. The ceremony is held on the groom’s side, where the family meets and becomes acquainted before confirming the wedding date.
Madhuramveppu
Madhuramveppu is a bachelor or bachelorette party held at both the bride and groom’s homes on the night before Manasammatham, or the wedding day, with their close friends, families, and relatives.
Manasammatham/Betrothal
A betrothal, or Manasammatham, is a ceremonial promise made between a new couple in front of their entire family and with God’s blessing. The bride’s family handles all of the event coordination and administration. The ceremonial event at the bride’s church is followed by a lavish celebration in a large venue or at the bride’s home.
Minnukettu/Wedding
The wedding, also known as Minnukettu, is the most anticipated day for the couple and their families. The groom’s side often hosts the couple’s grand union, which is lavishly celebrated. The groom will tie the knot around the bride’s neck, followed by a ceremony to exchange rings. Following the ring exchange, the groom presents the bride with Manthrakodi (a magnificent silk saree embroidered with gold and silver). According to religious traditions, the wedding concludes with a holy liturgy in which the new husband and wife are blessed.
Grand Reception
A lavish reception is held in a wedding hall or resort following the marriage mass. Following the father’s or priest’s prayers, three candles that symbolise the couple and their families are ceremoniously lit to begin the event. Garland rituals and wine exchanges add even more significance to the occasion.
WEDDING CULTURE IN NORTHEAST INDIA
Mizoram Wedding Culture
Mizoram, also referred to as the ‘land of the blue mountains,’ has a custom for honouring marriages. In Mizoram, a distinctive wedding tradition is the marriage payment, in which the groom gives money to the bride’s family. Only when the groom has contacted the bride’s family and negotiated a price for the bride is the wedding ceremony formally commenced.
The wedding rituals in Mizoram are a jumble of customs that combine ancient beliefs with contemporary dating, as the state’s residents have more Christian believers. Before the wedding, there is enough time for the couple to get to know one another and decide if they are a good fit. Their marriage is solemnised only after they give their consent.
In Mizoram, another intriguing wedding custom is the bride giving the groom a Puandum, a traditional rug that is wrapped around the groom’s body when he passes away. Despite its strange sound, this ritual is significant.
At the wedding, the women from both families are required to wear traditional colourful wraps called Puan, which is worn by the bride’s family, and Puanchei by the groom’s family.
Nagaland Wedding Culture
Nagaland is home to about 16 major tribes, each of which has its own customs surrounding marriage. Tribal customs are important in pre- and post-wedding ceremonies, even though Christianity is the most common religion in Nagaland, where Christian marriages are common. The tribes’ exogenous marriage custom forbids getting married inside the same clan.