A Christian wedding follows some of the simplest yet meaningful rituals. Since Christianity is followed across the world, in each country these rituals are followed with local customs and fervor. Christianity regards marriage as the most sacred bond. In fact according to the Bible, with marriage a man and his wife become one flesh, united forever. The church plays an important role in all Christian marriages. For it is the priest, before whom both the bride and the groom take their marriage vows!A typical Christian wedding calls for a pristine ambience. With the church bells ringing at the background, it is a rather quiet affair. Most modern brides wear gowns on their way to the altar. Pastel, white and pink are the most popular shades. Yet, many Christians in the South East Asia are also clad in their local attire while taking the marriage vows. Christian grooms across the world, however, prefer black suits with a bow or a necktie. All Christian brides are accompanied with bride’s maids who walk after her, holding behind the trail as she heads for the altar.
Engagement
The ritual of engagement in Christian wedding can be traced back to the Roman Ages. On the engagement day, the head priest at the church officially declares about the possible matrimonial alliance between the bride and the groom. As the couple exchange rings, the priest thrice signs the cross on their arms and the rings. Thereafter, the priest along with the family members of the couple pray for the well being of the couple. This ceremony is also known as the Thanksgiving ceremony. Usually the priest also devices an auspicious day for the marriage, on the day of the engagement.
Marriage
On the day of the marriage, the groom and the bride must arrive at the church at the given time. The guests also arrive at the Church to stand as a witness to the betrothal ceremony. The bride enters the church with the bridesmaids behind her. She is generally welcomed by a male member of her family. This man plays the role of the best man. The best man plants a gentle kiss on the bride and greets her with a bouquet.
Soon after the proper marriage rituals begin. The bride is generally taken towards the altar by her father. The father gives away the hand of his daughter to the groom. This gesture symbolically suggests a transition for the bride as she leaves her paternal family to be a part of a new family. As the priest greets the bride and the groom, the choir sings holy hymns for the well being of the couple. The clergy then reads the Bible and asks the almighty to bless the newlyweds. After the reading of the Bible, the bride and the groom take the sacred marriage oath, in front of two witnesses from representing either side.
In the meantime, the Priest is supposed to bless the wedding rings, which are immediately exchanged between the groom and the bride. With the priest finally declaring them to be man and wife, the elated bride and groom kiss each other. Usually on the evening of the marriage or within a few days later both the bride and the groom’s family throw a grand party, where guests are invited to bless the newlyweds. Since the marriage is a simple affair for Christians, such parties are usually grand with wine and champagne flowing in abundance. A cake cutting ceremony is an unmistakable part of the marriage reception. Ball dance with soothing music and a feast thereafter make the reception a great fun!
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