Buddhist Wedding

Buddhism is one of the most enchanted religions. A Buddhist wedding is a simple and religious function sans all pomp and show. For Buddhists, marriage is the most sacred bond between two people. Traditional attire along with beating of the religious drums, make every Buddhist Wedding a special day for celebration. For Buddhists, marriage is a union between two families, hence every family member, especially the elders play a major role in the wedding. Bhaku, silken hanju and stone jewelry form prime part of the Wedding attire in any Buddhist wedding. Red and golden along with pearl white and cream are some of the most popular shades common in all Buddhist marriages. Black on the other hand is considered to be extremely unlucky!

Ceremonies prior to the Wedding

The pre wedding ceremonies in a Buddhist marriage is as important as the marriage itself. For it is here, that the bride and her family are asked to express their consent towards the marriage. The date and the venue of such a meeting is preordained by the Lama. The entire ritual takes place before the head monk or Lama who then initiates the betrothal ceremony. At this time, it is expected that the groom presents a gift to his bride. Holy hymns and prayers are chanted in the name of Lord Buddha. Soon after a holy drink, known as the Madyan is served to the guests. In the end the Lama decides for an auspicious date for the wedding.

The Wedding Morning
Buddhist wedding is an early morning affair. At dawn, both the groom’s family and the bride’s family arrive at the temple. The groom’s family also brings with a long train of trays in the form of offerings to the Lord. The number of trays are either six or nine, as any other number is considered to be unlucky for the occasion. Along with jewelry and clothes for the bride, these trays also contain flowers and fruits. One of the special trays also has a bunch of candles. Lighting of these candles signifies the union of two families tied by marriage.

After the candles are lighted, it is time for the recitation of Tisarana. Along with Pancasila and Vandana, Tisarana is a prayer that every couple says, in order to be blessed by Lord Buddha. The bride and the groom pray for their well being and happy married life through these prayers. After the completion of prayers both the bride and the groom undertake the holy marriage vows. While the groom promises to be a faithful and doting husband, the bride says that she will perform all the duties of a good wife. These vows are specifically inscribed in the holy Buddhist texts of Sigilovdda Sutta.

On completion of the marriage vows the newlyweds turn to their parents, asking for blessings. The parents then recite Mangala Sutta and Jaymangala Gatha to offer their blessings to the couple. After this the marriage is finally solemnized and the newlyweds begin their new journey.

Linus Orakles
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