Christian Wedding Ceremonies and Rituals in Kerala
Each wedding is a celebration of the harmony between the new couple. And to make it even more cheerful and memorable, there are certain ceremonies and rituals that have been followed from years ago to this very date. India, being a nation of diverse cultures, has a number of varied ceremonies in every nook and cranny. However, a Christian wedding in any state has a list of common ceremonies such as Acharakalayanam, Manasammatham, Madhuramveppu, and Minnukettu.
Rituals and ceremonies have been done for a long time as a way to keep culture, community ties, spiritual meaning, and other things alive. Moreover, these ceremonies provide a reason for celebrating important life moments from birth until one’s final day. Continue reading to find out the traditions followed in Christian weddings and get prepared for yours!
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Christian Wedding Rituals: Customary Ways of Celebrating Love
Christian wedding ceremonies are upheld as a token of sacred commitment to seeking God's blessing and the wedding itself. Some of the cultural and religious ceremonies that are followed include:
- Acharakalyanam
Acharakalyanam marks the beginning of wedding celebrations after finding your partner. The ceremony shall be conducted on the groom’s side, where families meet each other and get comfortable to confirm the wedding date. There’s a bangle-exchanging ceremony, which the mother-in-law shall adorn the bride with. The main aim or purpose of the ceremony is to fix that special day in the new couple’s life. The ceremony is also similar to other Indian pre-wedding ceremonies.
- Madhuramveppu
Madhuramveppu is basically the bachelor or bachelorette party celebrated in both the bride and groom's residence on the night before Manasammatham, or the wedding day, with their families and close relatives. The bachelorette party is held at the bride’s on the night before Manasammatham, and the bachelor party is held at the groom’s on the night before Minnukettu. Typically, partners don’t attend each other’s parties; however, it is a rising trend to participate in these ceremonies together. The day is filled with all kinds of fun activities, such as margamkalli, fun games, dance for each age group, and much more.
- Manasammatham/Betrothal
Manasammathan is the second important official event conducted prior to any Christian wedding. A betrothal, or Manasammatham, is in fact a formal promise between the new couple in the presence of the whole family and with God’s blessing. The whole coordination and event management is done from the bride’s side. This particular event has been around for centuries and is still followed with full respect for the culture and tradition. The official event at the bride’s church is followed by a grand reception in a large hall or at the bride’s residence.
- Minnukettu/Wedding
Minnukettu, or the wedding, is the foremost day the couple and family have waited for. The couple's grand union is typically hosted by the groom’s side and celebrated to its fullest. By seeking blessings from parents, family, and relatives, the bridegroom steps forward in their life on their wedding day. During the event, the bridegroom will again be asked for a formal promise, followed by the important part of the day. The groom shall tie the knot around the bride’s neck, and then there will be a ring exchange ceremony. The ring exchange is then followed by the groom gifting Manthrakodi to the bride. As per religious practises, the wedding is completed with a holy mass, wherein the new husband and wife get blessings.
Betrothal and Wedding Reception: Prolonging Your Wedding Festivities from "I Do" to "Let’s Dance"
As for the four main Christian wedding ceremonies, the betrothal and wedding are followed by a grand celebration or reception. For years, Christian wedding receptions have followed a set of ceremonies, which include:
- Candle Lighting Ceremony
The beautiful candle set on the mesmerising stage is lit by the new husband and wife, followed by the groom’s parents and the bride’s parents. The flames represent the light that will guide the new bridegroom in the life ahead.
- Wine Toasting
Wine toasting represents the sweet and bitter moments couples shall experience in their journey. The sweet taste of wine represents good times, and the bitter taste represents bad or disappointing times.
- Cake Cutting
Cake cutting symbolises the sweetness and happiness the couple will share between themes. Both the bride and groom share this piece of happiness with each other’s families as a beginning of unity between the two families.
To More Christian Wedding Rituals and Ceremonies
Weddings are not just a union of two individuals but more about celebrating that union and love with family and close ones. It is the ceremonies practised years ago that make these heartfelt moments fun. Each ceremony has its own unique purpose and deep meaning as well. Apart from these official events, there are unofficial ceremonies such as visiting parental homes as husband and wife for the very first time, relatives' homes, and many more.
Find your life partner and plan your dream wedding with all the above-mentioned culture-rich wedding rituals and ceremonies through Nest Matrimony, the best matrimony site. With a multitude of profiles of Christian brides and grooms in Kerala, we can help you find a partner who meets your family's culture and expectations.