Today, we are living in a world where traditions, cultures, and nations are merging. Now people are not limited to staying in a defined border. They are migrating to another country for better career opportunities, lifestyle, study, and business. When people migrate they bring their culture, traditions, and religious beliefs into the new world.
In this blog, we are going to discuss the American Indian marriage ceremony and how it affects American culture and tradition with their own culture and beliefs. People perform wedding ceremonies through different cultures and rituals in many areas of India and Western countries.
In India, marriages are considered an essential part of life. Hindu marriage is regarded as an ancient tradition from the Vedic period. The idea that marriage is a sacrament is also found in the four Vedas and Shastras. Marriage is a beautiful bond that connects two souls in a physical, mental, and emotional relationship.
In America, there is not a specific way to perform marriage. Traditions are mainly based on the couple’s origins, religions, ethnicities, cultures, lifestyles, and preferences.
In Indian culture, marriage is considered a sacred bond that becomes an unbreakable bond that continues even after death. It’s believed to be another way to achieve moksha.
There are many Indians who live abroad. When it comes to getting married, they choose an Indian girl or boy. Let’s discuss the American Indian wedding ceremony. You will notice how thoughtful planning and cohesive wedding design they perform.
Pre-Wedding Celebration
Engagement (Sagai Samaroh)
The couple exchanges rings. Families also exchange gifts to signify their acceptance and to show the happiness of this beautiful ceremony and the new bond.
Mehendi Ceremony
The women in the family, including the bride, adorn their hands and feet with intricate henna designs as a symbol of beauty and good luck. The celebration takes place on the night before the wedding ceremony.
Sangeet Ceremony
The text mentions a cultural tradition where women sing and dance at night. It also talks about a pre-wedding celebration where the bride’s and groom’s families come together to celebrate.
On The Wedding Day
Dress Up
The groom and bride get dressed up in traditional Indian attire: the bride wears a lehenga, while the groom wears a Sherwani kurta.
Varmala Ceremony
They perform the Varmala ceremony. In which both bride and groom garland each other with respect. Varmala or jaimala gives the feel of starting an Indian wedding, and they both accept each other as life partners.
Kanyadan Ceremony
During the Kanyadaan ceremony, the father gives away his daughter to the groom, taking responsibility for her future.
Mangalsutra and Sindoor
The groom ties the mangalsutra (a sacred necklace) around the bride’s neck, signifying their marital bond. Sindoor is applied to the bride’s hair parting, symbolizing her marital status.
Seven Vows
During a Hindu wedding ceremony, the couple takes seven rounds around a sacred fire (Agni) while reciting vows. Each round represents a sacred promise. As they complete the seven steps of the saptapadi, the couple says, “We will share love and food, become each other’s strength, and share our tastes. We shall be of one mind and observe our vows together.”
Gathbandhan
During the Indian wedding ceremony, both bride and groom are tied together with a piece of cloth, representing their eternal bond. One end of the bride’s pallu or saree to the traditional scarf worn by the groom, along with a coin, a flower, whole turmeric, durva grass, and some raw rice.
This ritual is called the Gathbandhan and is performed before exchanging marital vows during the Saat Phere. The groom’s sister ties the knot, symbolizing the acceptance of the bride (bhabhi) as a family member.
Vidaai
The bride must leave with her husband, symbolizing the start of a new life journey together. The Bidaai is a ritual celebrated differently depending on the region, but it’s always an emotional moment for the bride and her parents. During the Kanyadaan ceremony, the Bride’s father accepts the union of the Bride and Groom. However, the Vidaai is the official sendoff for the daughter.
Reception
A grand celebration follows the wedding ceremony where family and friends gather to congratulate new couples and give them blessings. They invite both sides of the family to make a good bond and offer them food and celebration of marriage.
Regional Differences Exist
Customs vary across regions in India, with each state having its unique marriage rituals. Certain communities within Hinduism may have specific rituals unique to their cultural practices.
Hindu marriage ceremonies are not just about the union of two individuals but also about merging two families and the continuity of traditions. The rituals are deeply rooted in religious and cultural symbolism, emphasizing the sanctity and longevity of the marital bond. They perform marriage according to the Vedas and accept each other by God as witnesses and accept each other in front of the union.
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Traditional American Wedding Ceremony
A traditional American wedding ceremony often follows a format that includes specific elements and rituals. Here is a general outline of a traditional American wedding ceremony.
Pre-ceremony
Reaching of The Guests for The Ceremony
The guests invited by the bride and groom’s family are seated at the venue. Music plays while they wait for the ceremony to start.
Processional
The ceremony typically starts with the processional, where the wedding party enters the venue in a specific order. A typical processional order includes the officiant, grandparents, and parents of the couple, bridesmaids and groomsmen, the ring bearer and flower girl, and the bride escorted by her father or another significant person.
Opening Remarks
The officiant welcomes the guests and makes introductory remarks about the occasion. And thanks to them for attending.
Declaration of Intent
The officiant asks the couples if they have come of their own free will to be married. They respond to it as “I do.”
Exchange of Vows
It’s beautiful to see couples express their love and commitment to each other through personalized vows. It’s a heartfelt way to share their love and promises for the future. The ceremony may include traditional vows or personalized vows created by the couple.
On The Wedding Day
White Wedding Dress
Many girls dream of their pretty white wedding dress or gown. After all, it is still one of the most practiced American traditions.
The Wedding Party
A vast majority of modern wedding ceremonies include a bridal party, regardless of culture or faith. Now, couples have the right to choose who they want to be part of their wedding party. If they want their close relative or their best friend to stand beside them while they say their vows, that’s their choice.
Prom of The Couples
At many weddings, the dance of the couples is one of the most anticipated events. The newlyweds go to the dance floor and showcase their first dance as a married couple. While some people opt for a romantic slow dance, others dazzle the crowd with a choreographed routine set to upbeat music.
The Wedding Cake
At wedding receptions, the cake is often the centerpiece, and cutting it is a wedding tradition.”Wedding cakes hold great significance in a wedding celebration. It is a tradition for the couple to feed each other a bite, sometimes playfully resulting in cake on each other’s faces. Nowadays, many couples opt for either a traditional wedding cake or a creative alternative made from cupcakes or macarons.
Throwing Rice On Couples
In American weddings, it is customary for the guests to bid farewell to the newlywed couple. Traditionally, people used to throw rice at the couple as they departed in their car. However, this practice has become uncommon due to its messiness and potential danger. Nowadays, guests use alternatives such as blowing bubbles, waving sparklers, tossing dried lavender, or ringing bells to wish the newlyweds good luck and happiness.
Exchanging Rings
The couple exchanges wedding rings as a symbol of their commitment. The officiant may say a few words about the significance of the rings.
Unity Ceremony
Including a unity ceremony is a lovely way to symbolize the union of two individuals. There are various types of unity ceremonies, such as the lighting of a unity candle, a sand ceremony, or a handfasting ritual, that couples can choose from to make their wedding ceremony even more meaningful and memorable. It’s a beautiful way to express the idea of two becoming one and to involve family and friends in the celebration of love.
It is essential to understand that wedding traditions may differ significantly, and couples may choose to add or exclude specific elements based on their cultural, religious, and personal preferences. Furthermore, some couples may prefer to have a non-traditional or customized ceremony that reflects their unique relationship.
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