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Hi Whyville! Some people, including me, have been wondering, "Wow, what
is a Hindu wedding?" ever since the Times Editor announced his own wedding
plans. A quick trip to Google let me research "Hindu weddings," and
some of my curiosity was satisfied.
Then I thought, "Hmm, why not share this teriffic information with everyone
else?" So, I hope you find this intresting. I sure did!
Traditional Hindu weddings can last for DAYS! Wow, isn't that fun? According
to http://aprendizdetodo.com/wedding/,
the main people in a Hindu wedding include: Bride, Groom, Priest, Bride's Parents,
Groom's Parents, Bride's Maternal Uncle, Bride's Brother (or it may be a cousin
or male friend), Best Man, Chorus (a few women who know how to sing traditional
Indian slokas), and last but not least, Flower Girl(s). This last one is optional.
What I found quite interesting is that these things may have been a part of
the Editor's wedding!
Coconuts
Garlands to be exchanged by bride and groom
Rings to be exchanged by bride and groom
Wedding necklaces
Gift from groom, to the bride's mother
Gift from bride's mother from groom
Sacred Fire
Sacred Rope (Tied in a fairly large enough loop to easily fit around
the bride and groom)
Pots of water (To bless and to clean up in; often sacred water from the
river Ganges)
Red Paste (This is applied to your forehead. Another other word for this
is Kumkum.)
Rice
Flowers
Also, the wedding is usually outside -- wow, how fun! The ceremony is also
performed under a canopy, too. Yeah, I have a canopy bed, but I have never been
married under a canopy!
Maybe we can get the editor to tell us a bit more about this? *Hint, hint*
The Wardrobe:
The bride wears a red or red and white sari. The sari is supposed to be draped
mostly over the bride's hair and body, like a dress and veil. The groom wears
a long shirt extending to their knees, with leggings. In some Indian cultures,
the groom may also wear a turban, and in others, a crown.
Now, I found a "Frequently Asked Questions" list where I learned
yet another interesting fact. Would you like to know what kinds of gifts the
bride and groom may get?
Often, the gifts are money, and the amount of money must end in a "1."
For example, I would give Mr. Editor and his Bride $201.00! Why must it end
in a "1"? I don't know.
Here's some more information: a Hindu wedding is a religous ceremony. In India,
these cermonies will last for literally days. In the U.S., they are often adapted
and cut down to accomodate people's schedules -- so the ceremony may only last
four hours, followed by a lengthy reception/party!
The bride's family choses the place of the cermony. (I wonder why the bride's
family gets to pick?)
In my research, I also learned that Hindus believe in many gods, but essentially
only one Supreme Being.
Maybe you can find more information about Hindu weddings and their religion,
too? It is quite interesting
Going to bed now because I'm tired,
Babyfuf04
My resources:
http://aprendizdetodo.com/wedding/
http://www.confetti.co.uk/weddings/advice_ideas/ceremony/hindu.asp
http://www.saranam.com/Wedding/default.asp
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