Visit any 10 families in your locality and ask any two elder family members about differ-
ent rituals performed in marriage 15-20 years back and now. Based on your visit write a
detailed comparative report about how marriage practices changes in last 15-20 years?
Answers
Answer:
12
of 15
The Bride and Groom's Garments Are Tied Together as They Circle a Fire
Hindu wedding ceremony
JAMES X SCHULZE
The saptapadi is an important ritual in North Indian Hindu weddings. During the saptapadi, the bride and groom have their garments tied together—typically the bride's veil and the groom's sash. In South India, the couple walks seven steps together to signify their friendship. In North Indian tradition, they make seven circles around a ceremonial fire, each round signifying a specific blessing they request of the gods. The main significance of the saptapadi is establishing friendship, which is the basis of a Hindu marriage.
13
of 15
The Newlyweds Shower Each Other With Rice
Indian bride being showered with turmeric rice
EDWARD WINTER FOR READYLUCK
In a South Indian custom called the talambralu, or ritual of happiness, the couple showers one another with a mixture of rice, turmeric, saffron, and even pearls. This tradition symbolizes fertility, prosperity, and happiness.
14
of 15
Red Powder Is Applied to the Bride's Hair, Signifying She Is Married
Indian bride
GETTY IMAGES
Sindoor, a red-orange powder, is applied to the part of a woman's hair, symbolizing her new status as a married woman once the ceremony is complete.
15
of 15
The Couple's Sendoff Is an Emotional Vidaai Ceremony
South Asian Bride
FLORA & FLAUNA; EVENT PLANNING BY TALL & SMALL EVENTS; BRIDAL OUTFITS BY LEEHWA WEDDING, ANUSHREE REDDY & SABYASACHI
"Not all brides' farewells end with sparklers and smiles," says Patel. "As a Hindu bride officially leaves her home to start a new life with her husband, the goodbyes are heartwarming and tearful during the Vidaai ceremony. She walks away spreading happiness and prosperity by taking handfuls of rice and coins to be directly thrown over her head to show her appreciation for the time and love given to her in the home of her parents." The Vidaai ceremony is the symbolic end of the wedding festivities and characterized by the bride's parents giving a final farewell to their daughter.
8 Tips for Planning a Multicultural Wedding
Related Stories
Hindu engagement ceremony
6 Hindu Engagement and Pre-Wedding Ceremonies You Need to Know
couple
A Multi-Day Wedding Honoring the Couple's Jewish and Pakistani Cultures
Wedding Lasso
Everything You Need to Know About the Wedding Lasso Tradition
What Is a Dowry?
What Is a Dowry?
Why Do People Throw Rice at Weddings
Why Do People Throw Rice at Weddings?
Indian wedding traditions custom artwork
What to Expect at an Indian Wedding
Muslim Wedding
11 South Asian Muslim Wedding Traditions You Need to Know
Bridal henna
17 Stunning Henna Designs From Real Brides
Jewish Wedding Under Chuppah
13 Jewish Wedding Traditions and Rituals You Need to Know
Know what traditions to expect and what they signify.
Chinese wedding parade
47 Fascinating Wedding Traditions From Around the World
These customs prove there are many ways to say "I do."
Couple holding hands
A Colorful Multicultural Wedding at a Former Summer Camp
The bride and groom showcased their Chinese and Indian heritages