🎉 Sacred Cows and Sweets For Teeth: Fascinating Wedding Customs From India and Around 🎉
As the old saying goes, “marriage is not just a bond between two individuals, but it’s the union of two families.” And when it comes to the wedding customs, every culture and religion have their unique way of celebrating it. In India alone, with its diverse cultures, there are numerous wedding customs that are fascinating and breath-taking. Let’s dive deep into the central wedding customs around India and in some other countries as well.
🐄 Sacred Cows 🐄
In India, the cow has played a significant role in the country’s culture and religion. Hindus consider cows as sacred and consider them to be the earthly embodiment of the goddess Lakshmi. As a result, it’s not surprising that cows are an integral part of Indian wedding customs.
During an Indian wedding, the groom and his family visit the bride’s house or venue on the wedding day. Before entering the wedding venue, the groom is supposed to touch the cow’s feet as a sign of seeking blessings from the goddess Lakshmi. The cow is also believed to ward off any evil spirits and enhance the wedding’s purity.
🍬 Sweets for Teeth 🍬
What do you think about when someone says Indian sweets? Delicious and mouth-watering desserts come to mind. But, in Indian weddings, sweets are not just treated as food but are also a symbol of bonding and love between families.
In every Indian wedding, sweets are exchanged between the bride and groom’s families. This practice is known as “mithai ka dabbha” or “sweet box.” The custom involves giving out beautifully decorated boxes of sweets, which is considered a gesture of love and goodwill. The families also offer sweets to their guests, signifying their gratitude and affection towards them.
👰 The Haldi Ceremony 👰
The Haldi ceremony is one of the most cherished pre-wedding customs in India. The ceremony is held a day before the wedding. During the ceremony, a mixture of turmeric paste, sandalwood, and other natural ingredients is applied to the bride and groom’s body.
The Haldi ceremony is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil eye. The turmeric paste is also significant in enhancing the bride and groom’s complexion and making them look more beautiful. The ceremony also brings both families together as it represents the bride and groom’s acceptance into their respective families.
💒 The Christian Kiss 💒
The Christian wedding ceremony is known for its traditional rituals and customs. One such tradition is the “kiss to seal the union.” During the wedding ceremony, when the bride and groom exchange their vows, they share a kiss. This kiss signifies their love and commitment towards each other.
The concept of the wedding kiss was not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, but it has become an iconic Christian wedding custom today. The kiss is often followed by the “I do” moment, which is significant in symbolizing the couple’s consent and covenant towards their marriage.
🕌 The Nikah Ceremony 🕌
The Nikah ceremony is a traditional Muslim wedding ceremony that involves multiple rituals. The ceremony begins with the “Meher” ritual, where the groom offers a gift or money to the bride as a sign of love. The “Nikah” ritual follows, where the couple signs the marriage contract.
The Nikah ceremony also involves the “Qubool Hai” exchange, where the bride and groom accept each other’s proposal. The ceremony concludes with the “Mangalsootra” custom, where the groom ties a necklace around the bride’s neck, symbolizing their union and love.
🎉 Conclusion 🎉
Weddings are the happiest celebration filled with traditions that have been passed down for generations. Every tradition has its significance and brings families together. As we explored some unique wedding customs from India and around the world, it’s fascinating to see how diverse cultures celebrate love and union. Whether it be sacred cows or sweet exchanges, the customs portrayed in weddings offer a fascinating insight into various cultures.
