Supersitions in Indian Wedding

A matrimonial event in India comes with a lot of baggage with respect to traditions and superstitions. A wedding is considered to be among the most sacred events in the lives of people and hence all the possible measures are taken to make sure that no negativity encroaches upon the events of the marriage as well as the happiness in the lives of the couple hereafter.

Among the many factors that are taken into consideration before a couple gets married, the most important one is that of the presence of the mangal dosha. The existence of this dosha is believed to have catastrophic results on the couple and hence extra care is taken in form of astrological counseling, rituals and prayers to make sure that there is no occurrence of unwanted events during the course of the life of either the bride or groom.

Speaking of the wedding event itself, there are number of traditions and rituals that are followed around the country to minimize the negative effect of the ‘evil eye’ on the bride or the groom. Here are some of the most popular and common traditions –

1. After the engagement, many families believe that if the bride carries a knife or any other such sharp metal object with she at all times, she will be able to easily protect her virtue from the world including from her own fiance.

2. Some Indian cultures believe that it is good luck if a cat eats out of the left shoe of a bride or a groom a week before the big day.

3. At the same time, many families take is as bad luck if boiling milk spills over during or right before the wedding. It is taken a sign of an impending disaster.

4. As orthodox as it may sound, in many villages of India, if the family of the groom is on the way to express their liking towards a prospective bride, it is believed that they may reject the offer in fear of bad luck if they spot a blind man, monk or pregnant woman on the way.

5. At the same time, it is considered to be good luck if the family spots wolves pigeons or goats. It is thought unlucky for the bride to make her own wedding dress.

6. It is considered highly unlucky for the bride to make her own wedding outfit.

7. While borrowing a wedding dress brings your good luck, it is believed to bring back luck to the one who lends it.

8. The bride along with other women of the household are known to send lentil balls to the house of the groom as a sign to ensure that the kitchen is always filled with food to eat at all times.

9. While it is considered bad luck to see an open grave, lizard, pig or a cockerel crow on your wedding, it is considered good luck to see a rainbow, black cat or chimney sweep on your wedding day.

Many of these superstitions may sound extremely conservative to a modern, progressive family; irrespective of their historical relevance, traditions and superstitions such as that of the mangal dosha are very much prevalent even in today’s more educated environment. Instead of blindly following any one of these, it is recommended that you first get a clear understanding behind each one’s relevance and apply what’s practical in your personal lifestyle.

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