by Barbara Anderson If you are interested in the Kerala Christian wedding, we prepared a special guide with all the needed information. You will know what ceremonies are included in this wedding, how are they are going, or even what to wear. So, let’s begin!
Kerala Christian Wedding ceremonies
Kerala Christian Wedding involves several rituals that are finished with the wedding ceremony. It can be a simple one for families and close friends or a great celebration with a huge number of guests. But it all starts from the first ritual.
Aacharakalyanam
This tradition opens the Christian wedding ceremonies in Kerala. According to this tradition, both families meet each other and choose the wedding date. The bride’s family visits the groom’s family, they celebrate and give sweets to each other.
Manasamatham
This is the second ceremony of Kerala’s wedding. Both families go to the church, and the priest confirms that these families accept the wedding in the presence of two witnesses. The groom and the bride exchange rings, and it symbolizes an official engagement.
Sthuthi Cholluka and Guru Dakshana
These ceremonies take place on the wedding day. Stuthi Cholluka is praying for blessing in the houses of the bride and the groom. Guru Dakshana is the ceremony when the bride and the groom take a blessing from their elder relatives.
Main Wedding Ceremony
The main Christian wedding ceremony takes place in the church. The bride and the groom walk down the aisle and then light the lamp together. After this, the priest reads Bible verses. Then its time for the last ceremony, Minnukettu.
Minnukettu
During the Minnukettu ceremony, the groom ties around the bride’s neck a thali, golden pendant with seven strings called Minnu.
The Minnu is tied with the threads taken from Manthrakodi, a red ceremonial saree. Later, the bride can replace thread with the gold chain.
Then the priest blesses Manthrakodi and gives it to the groom, who puts it on the bride’s head while the priest is praying. Then the couple and their two witnesses sing in the church wedding register.
What to wear to the Christian wedding
The bride’s outfit
Brides in India can wear different types of wedding costumes, and brides in Kerala wear the most interesting combination of a silk saree and a veil. Generally, brides choose the light color of saree, it can be white, off-white, and cream with a golden border. Brides wear their saree pleated on the left shoulder. As the accessories, they can use watches, bracelets on the wrists, bridal necklaces, and earrings. Also, brides can wear the tiara in their hair. To complete the image, they wear a gorgeous net veil. When she goes down the aisle with a beautiful bunch of flowers and a shiny smile, she looks as perfect as a dream.
The groom’s outfit
The groom’s wedding clothes are not very diverse, but there is also a place for experiments. According to tradition, the groom wears a three-piece black or dark-blue suit. Also, they can choose a tuxedo or experiment with non-usual colors: beige, brown, or electric blue. In the case of accessories, grooms can replace a tie with a bow-tie and add a pocket square to look stylish.
Guests’ outfits
Guests invited to the Kerala Christian wedding should choose simple but elegant wearing without too much jewelry. So, women can wear an evening gown or chiffon saree that will beautifully flow down. Men can pick a simple combo with a shirt and pants or just a suit.
We hope that our post will help you to prepare for your perfect Kerala Christian wedding.
