What Are The Rituals And Traditions Of A Kerala Christian Matrimony?

Christian weddings in India are lovely occasions. Christian weddings in India are magnificent ceremonies to participate in Kerala Christian Matrimony. They combine the elegance of Western customs with the rich cultural history of India. It’s all very captivating, from the brides in white dresses to the brides in exquisite silk sarees. Christianity first spread there in 52 AD when St. Thomas the Apostle came to Kerala to spread this faith.

The majority of Catholic weddings performed by Christians in Kerala take place in churches. The brides are customarily attired in white sarees with golden borders and exquisite gold jewellery.

There are several Kerala Christian matrimonial websites where individuals may create a strong matrimonial profile and discover their soul mate. In the weddings held by the Christian community in Kerala, the bride dons a magnificent white saree and stunning jewellery. Marriage customs in Kerala differ slightly from those of Christians in North India.

Wedding Ceremonies, Rituals And Traditions

Kerala Christian Wedding takes place in a church and is much like other Christian weddings in India. But the local culture has a significant effect on the pre-wedding activities.

Aacharakalyanam:

The wedding preparations officially begin with this first ceremony. Both families get to know one another and visit one other’s homes during this event. In essence, Aacharakalyanam is the occasion when the wedding day is chosen.

The families of the bride and the groom share sweets and rejoice over the confirmation of the wedding date. This ritual has long been a component of Christian marriages in Kerala and shares similarities with other Indian pre-wedding customs.

Manasamatham:

Following the Aacharakalyanam, this is the second ritual that takes place at every Christian Matrimony in Kerala. Both the bride’s family and the groom’s family gather in a church. The priest, in the presence of two witnesses, affirms that both families approve of this marriage.

The exchanging of rings is not expected to take place at this ceremony, according to tradition. But as more millennials have entered the workforce, it has progressively grown in significance to the Manasamatham ritual. A feast follows this ceremony’s conclusion.

Sthuthi Cholluka & Guru Dakshana:

On the wedding day, two rites take place: Stuthi Cholluka and Guru Dakshana. It is customary to begin the ceremony with a sequence of prayers known as Stuthi Cholluka. This happens at the bride and groom’s respective homes. This is thought to be an auspicious start.

On the other side, Guru Dakshana is a ritual in which both the Christian Bride and the groom are. They seek the blessing of their elders in this ritual. Even this event takes place in each of their homes.

The church where the wedding ceremony will take place then welcomes the bride and groom. Little girls carry flowers as they make their way down the aisle to greet the couple. The families demonstrate their support for the bride and groom on their special day. They bring fruit baskets and flowers to the chapel.

Wedding Ceremony & Minnukettu:

The bride and groom proceed down the aisle toward the altar. The bride and groom’s parents are seated directly behind them. Then the rest of their family members and friends, in that order. They light a lamp jointly as their wedding ceremony’s opening ritual.

The priest then reads some Bible scriptures after it. The bride and the groom may also decide on these verses in advance. All the relatives, guests and the bride and groom go on to the next rite. This happens as soon as the bride and the groom accept to be man and wife.

Then the Minnukettu ritual is performed. One of the most significant rituals of a Christian wedding in Kerala is the Minnukettu. A Minnu is a thread of seven threads created from a Manthrakodi. A light-coloured saree is tied around the bride’s neck during this ritual by the groom.

Later, the priest blesses the Manthrakodi. This is often a light-coloured or cream saree, replaces the string with a gold chain, and gives to the groom. The priest blesses the Manthrakodi before placing this saree over the bride’s head and placing it around her neck.

The couple and two witnesses write their names in the register at the conclusion of the wedding ceremony. As soon as this happens, the Kerala Christian Marriage is legally recognised, and the bride dons the Manthrakodi.

Sangeet music is not a component of a wedding ceremony since the emphasis is on worship rather than celebration. However, the tender hymns, church choir, and religious music make the entire Kerala Christian wedding a special occasion to savour.

The priest presents the sacred bread pieces to the bride, groom, and other family members after the Minnukettu ritual. After that, everyone heads to the lavish feast.

Friends and family gather at the newlyweds’ wedding reception. They celebrate the bride and groom as a pair and share their happiness and blessings.

What To Wear?

There are many various styles of wedding clothes that women may be seen wearing in India. A Keralan Christian bride, however, has the most unusual choice of saree and veil. The saree typically has a golden border and is white, off-white, or cream in colour. Most brides like silk as their preferred fabric. Typically, brides hold their perfectly pleated saree on their left shoulder.

A watch and bracelets are on her wrist. She has a delicate wedding necklace to match the saree. She also has a set of glittering earrings to round off the outfit. Additionally, some brides choose to don a tiara. A Keralan Christian bride’s stunning net veil is what sets her apart from the competition.

The Groom:

It is stated that when it comes to selecting their wedding attire, males don’t have a lot of alternatives. The husband has fewer options than the bride, although guys may still try many different things. On his wedding day, the groom often dons a three-piece suit.

However, many men these days favour donning a tuxedo as well. Many grooms stick to traditional colours like black and navy blue. Other bold men experiment with their appearance by choosing slightly unconventional hues like electric blue, beige, etc. To maintain his fashionable appearance, the groom can also choose a bow tie instead of a tie and a pocket square.

Wedding Guests:

It’s vital to remember that Kerala Christian Matrimony. It is a basic affair that doesn’t call for excessive bling for the wedding guests who will be attending. Simple yet attractive clothing should be worn. For ladies, it may be a flowing chiffon saree or an evening gown. While for males, it might be a straightforward shirt and pair of pants or a suit.

As members of the bridal party, bridesmaids have frequently displayed similar shapes, while gentlemen have also made a fashion statement while dressed in suits. The older women generally always accessorise their silk sarees with exquisite jewellery.

We trust that you are well informed about a Keralan Christian wedding. Don’t forget to take all of these considerations in mind as you prepare for your special day.

Remember that a Keralan Christian wedding is a low-key event that doesn’t call for a lot of glitz if you are invited. Put on straightforward yet elegant clothing. Men might choose a shirt-and-pant combo or suit, while women can choose a flowing chiffon saree or an evening gown.