We've seen many western Christian weddings on television and in movies (and real life!) and seen just how magical they are. The way of life joined with love, family and friends makes an ideal setting for the union of two individuals. Similarly, Indian Christian weddings are as enchanting as any. So, if you're interested in Indian Christian weddings, then this one's just for you.
All About Indian Christian Weddings
1. Matchmaking and Badalchan
In any arranged marriage, the initial step is the matchmaking custom. After the most common way of finding a reasonable match is finished, a proper proposition is shipped off the lady of the hour from the husband to be's side. In South Indian Christian weddings, this proposal is then fixed by a Badalchan custom. Badalchan is a ritual where both families exchange betel leaves and betel nuts with each other. However, if you're looking at matrilineal societies of states like Meghalaya, Nagaland and Mizoram, girls and boys usually pick their partners and it is the girl who proposes to the boy for marriage.
2. Engagement
Commitment to a Christian wedding is a private event where the family gathers for celebrating the union of the lady of the hour and lucky man. At the engagement venue, the couple trade rings. Assuming they're Catholic Christians, the rings are blessed by the minister of their ward. The engagement ceremony is a great opportunity for the couple to get to know one another and find out how compatible they are with one another. The two families get to know one another better during the Engagement dinner. Besides, the husband to be gifts his fiancee with gifts that consist of garments, scents and all her #1 things.
Also read: Beautiful Bengali Wedding Rituals
3. Bridal Shower
Generally before the wedding, the bride's friends and family throw her a bridal shower. A bridal shower means 'showering the bride with gifts'. Sisters and girlfriends of the lady to-be orchestrate a party for her which includes gifts, music, games, a lot of food and a delightful cake! Sometimes, a bridal shower can be replaced by a Bachelorette party, which is a slightly wilder and more party-oriented version of the same. A pleasant custom that you will see at these wedding parties is that there is a secret thimble inside the cake and whoever gets that is believed to be the one getting married next!
4. Roce Ceremony
The Roce function, otherwise called Haldaat, is very much like any haldi ceremony that happens before the main wedding. In an Christian wedding in india or different districts of South India, a mix of oil turmeric and sandalwood glue is applied to the lady of the hour and lucky man in a way to bless them before the wedding. Likewise, in Goan or Konkan districts, rather than turmeric, a coconut glue is applied to the lady of the hour and lucky man. Toward the finish of the Roce ceremony, the couple is given a holy bath.
5. The Wedding Mass
Generally, at Catholic weddings, the family's ward minister peruses the testaments from the Holy book and afterward gives a sermon depicting the rituals and strict meaning of marriage. Following that, either the guests of the church choir sing prayers of blessings to the couple. Whereas in a Protestant wedding, the marriage of the couple is officiated either by a bishop or a priest. The wedding visitors are important for the service and they share psalms, and readings and answer the couple's trade of vows.
6. The Reception
Unlike other Indian weddings, Indian Christian weddings have one grand celebration that follows the wedding ceremony. The couple makes their entry into the Reception venue as newlyweds as people cheer for them and throw flowers or confetti on them. During the reception, the couple engages in many fun games, and even bridesmaids are a part of them. For an Indian Christian wedding rituals, having a good, spacious wedding venue is extremely important. Other things you will require to organise include decor of your liking, a wedding cake, good food and a lavish bar if you enjoy drinking (if not, go for a non-alcoholic bar). In Goan Christian weddings, regional and European cuisines are enjoyed. Whereas, in Meghalayan or Mizo Christian weddings, special delicacies like pork curries are relished. The reception also includes speeches by various family members and friends, a cake-cutting ceremony, drinking and lots of dancing.
