First Night Traditions

Indian weddings have always been associated with pomp and festivity coupled with numerous ceremonies and rituals. It is also considered to be the time when a couple avows, with the Holy Fire as their witness, to stand by each other through all highs and lows of life.

Though the Indian weddings today are changing rapidly with customisation and personalisation, the traditional approach is still maintained in most of the Indian families. Keeping this in mind, even the first night that the bride and the groom spend together as a newlyweds is also ruled by many traditional stereotypes. Below are five of the stereotypes associated with the traditional Indian suhagraat or first night, most of which are still quite popular.

Floral decoration

It has been an age-old tradition that the couple’s room be decorated with heavily fragrant, fresh flowers for their suhagraat. It is believed that the sweet, natural fragrance of the flowers creates a romantic mood for the couples to begin the new chapter in their life together. Usually the preferred flowers are rajnigandha (tuberose), roses and jasmines as these have an exotic aroma, and are believed to leave an aphrodisiac effect on the couple.

Toll fee

Suhagraat is also the night where the relatives and friends make fun of the groom, teasing him for his impatience in joining his bride. They do not allow him to leave them till quite late. Even then, the sisters or other younger female relatives of the groom delay him further by putting across their demand, which can be considered like a 'through fare' for going to his room. There is much fun and laughter while the poor groom negotiates with his sisters before reluctantly handing over their gifts. Then the sisters wish him luck and blessings for his new life and let him go.

Waiting behind the veil

One of the traditional stereotypes of the suhagraat is that the bride is allowed entry in the room much before the groom. She is allowed some time alone to freshen up. Dressed in the Indian bridal attire, it is a tradition for the bride to cover her face with a ghunghat (veil), and wait for her husband. The groom then comes in the room and unveils the bride. This is also known as the “muh dikhai”, where the groom gifts his bride something special as a memento.

Glass of Milk

 According to certain ancient scriptures and texts, the bride and the groom share a glass of saffron, fennel flavoured, or spiced, milk to replenish their energy, after the tiring wedding rituals. This milk is also considered as an aphrodisiac, which can ensure that the couple enjoy their first night together.

Test of faith

Indian traditions place a lot of emphasis on abstaining from pre-marital sex before marriage. In many household, a fresh, new white bedsheet is placed in the bed of the newlyweds for their first night. The soiled bedding and clothes of suhagraat are still considered to be the proof of a bride's virginity. The older female relatives insist to be shown the bedsheets next day to confirm themselves of the fact. A virgin bride is considered to be virtuous and disciplined, which is what every mother wants for her son.

Source: Yahoo