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Hindu
Marriage Customs And Beliefs
by
Kitty Ariza,
Ariza Accents/The Nuptial Knot,
Moreno Valley, CA
The
world’s third largest religion is Hinduism according to Carolyn
Mordecai, author of "Weddings Dating and Love Customs of
Cultures World Wide Including Royalty".
The
Hindu ceremony consists of the priest or brahmin officiating.
The bride and groom stand on a decorated wood plank and the
priests holds a curtain between them. The bridal party stands
behind the bride. The priest chants songs and guest shower rice
and other grains over the couple.
The
wedding begins when the curtain is removed and garlands of
sandalwood chips are placed around the neck of the bride and
groom.
The
bride’s father gives her to the groom and then they perform an
upliftment of Dharma... there are three Purusharthas: Dharma
meaning right conduct, Artha for prosperity and Karma for the
enjoyment of legitimate gratification.
The
Marriage Symbols: The bride applies sandalwood paste to the
groom’s forehead, the groom then applies a red mark on the
bride’s forehead to display for as long as they are married.
Then puffed rice and purified butter from the hands of the bride
and groom are thrown into the fire. This represents the radiant
one. Then the darkness is removed by the priest chanting
mantras, which are blessings.
Vows:
The vows are made before the fire that represents the deity. The
groom vows to always include his wife and consult her. The groom
takes his brides hand and leads her around the fire he steps
closer to her they walk along where rice is heaped to one side.
Holding hands they take the sapta padi... a seven step symbolic
journey through life. Around the sacred fire pot they agree to:
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Earn a living for their family and respect their abundance
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Live a healthy life style for each other
- Be
concerned for partner’s welfare
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Live together as friends... enjoy happiness and friendship
throughout their lives
- To
eat and drink with each other and be with each other on
special occasions
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Desire children for whom they will be responsible and love
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Adapt to the other persons at any given time and place
The
groom recites traditional mantras to the bride. Cotton is tied
around the bride and groom while a blessing of a long happy life
is given. The bride washes her hands and the bride and groom
pray that their prosperity will be fulfilled.
The
groom places a floral necklace around his brides neck... this
represents love. The bride then accompanies the groom to the
Hindu activities. Another wedding necklace of silver or gold
with semi-circles and black beads from both families... symbolic
of the union of the two families... is also worn.
Kitty
Ariza
Ariza Accents/The Nuptial Knot
Moreno Valley, CA
www.thenuptialknot.com
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