I DO… not know that about India.
COURTNEY SUTHERLAND
We really want to help you understand just some little things about weddings. If you have ever wondered about weddings, the ones you’ve been too, family and friends, seen on the media or even dreamt about, they have probably never come close to the colourful and extravagant ceremonies of a traditional Indian wedding.
India defines diversity by the uniqueness and fulfilled celebrations it carries out. A country populated with over 1 billion people has shown such distinctiveness through its cultural aspects such as food, clothes and weddings. In my opinion, Indian weddings are a little more extravagant and full than our typical “Aussie” wedding. If you don’t believe me.. then take a seat, and think a little more about marriage on the other side of the world! Let me dig a little deeper…
In Indian culture, marriage symbolises not just the sacred union of two individuals, but the coming together of two families. The families’ involvement in the wedding is so profound that typically the family decides on the partnership of the bride or groom. In fact, it was only till a few decades ago that the bride and groom had a say in whom they married and whom they were allowed to meet before the ceremony!
Imagine not knowing who is going to be the end of the aisle. This old wedding tradition of marriage at first sight, has slowly changed in urban areas, however it is still a part of the traditional culture for the families to choose eligible partners for the bride or groom. It’s only until the family has approved, that the two families unite and preform rituals to make the engagement official.
A typical Indian wedding will last for about a week, as well as extra pre-wedding ceremonies. In the pre-wedding ceremonies, the bride and groom will take part in a ritual holy bath, called a Haldi, where turmeric, oil and water is poured over them; and then followed by the Mehendi ceremony, where the bride’s hands and feet are decorated with intricate patterns called a Henna. It is believed that the darker the Henna the deeper love the groom has for the bride. Also, the bride will only start to do housework and work once the Henna has faded; sure hope it can be a tattoo!
On another note, the wedding attire plays a significant role to the rituals and customs of Indian weddings. Traditionally, the bride will wear a sari, which is decorated with silver and gold embroidery. The colour of the sari, which is red, yellow, green or white, has significant meaning for the bride. Red is the most common and symbolizes fertility and material bliss.
The bride’s hair is plaited and decorated with flowers and jewellery. Similar to traditional Australian weddings, the bride will wear a ghunghat (veil), draped over her hair as a sign of respect. The groom will wear a dhoti or sherwani, which is subtly decorated with intricate embroidery. In some north Indian traditions the groom will also sport a sword as part of his wedding outfit.
Well yes, you may be thinking.. ‘That’s cool.. but that’s a few cultural things India has.. just like we love our barbeques.. how is their marriage any different?’ Let me help, there’s a whole lot more!!
SO WHAT MAKES INDIAN WEDDINGS SO UNQUE TO OUR TRADITIONAL WEDDINGS?!?!
To most people, their special wedding day is considered the best and most memorable day in their life. The bond and love they show to each other, is the most unadulterated love someone can show their partner. At most traditional weddings you would have attended, the bride and groom announce their love and companionship in their vows during the ceremony, however in India, the true bond between each partner is shown through different customs and rituals throughout the wedding. To begin, Indian wedding ceremonies take as long as 3 hours! Ohh myy….
The arrival of the groom is an important and fun-filled event. The groom is welcomed and celebrated by the families. The bride waits for the groom to arrive and holds a Jaimala, which is a decorated garland. Shortly after the groom has arrived the couple begin to express their love by exchanging each other’s garlands, and show how they give their full self to one another. Unlike in Christian weddings, the bride and groom are pronounced fully wed when the groom ties a mangalsutram, which is a sacred thread, which symbolises his promise to take care of the bride as long as he lives… Aww!
To add, the couple then circle a fire seven times, called a Saat Phere, which signifies the seven goals of a married life. Including religious and moral duties, spiritual salvation, prosperity, liberation, and sensual gratification. They lead each other, signifying equality between them and their determination to stand beside each other through happiness and sorrow.
Another very interesting tradition in the Indian ceremony is the Sapthapadhi… that means taking seven steps together. It is believed that if one follows seven steps with another, it is confirmation of eternal friendship. Thus symbolising that their bride and groom will keep up their friendship for life and help each other equally in the ups and downs in their lives. Wow, we could really use some of their traditions.
I can’t forget the part where the rings are exchanged. But “shock horror”! India is unique; they do this part a little differently. Instead of the bride and groom exchanging rings in the form of eternal partnership, the Indian groom applies a vermillion or kumkum to the bride’s forehead.This signifies her as his partner for life.
In south India, this tradition is usually followed by the groom putting toe rings on the bride. In Australia, you know someone’s married if they have a ring on their left ring finger, however in India, the kumkum, the mangalsutram and the toe-rings all the typical symbols of a married woman.
You see! There is a little more than a church, words spoken and vows exchanged in India. Weddings all over the world have one thing in common and that’s the union of two partners coming together, but it is helpful to know how different cultures articulate their love to each other, and Indian weddings sure have shown uniqueness in their culture compared to what we are used to. Now if you’re ever going to India for a wedding you’ll know more about the traditions that take place.