Syrian Christian Wedding

The Land and the People

Syrian Christian weddings are held by the Syrian Christian community of Kerala. They are most common in Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Pathanamthitta. The community is very old, and it is said to go back to the early days of Christianity in India. The Syrian Christians are also called Nasranis.

Many Syrian Christian families also live in cities like Mumbai, and in the Gulf, the UK and the USA. The community follows different church traditions, such as Orthodox, Jacobite, Mar Thoma and Syro-Malabar. The weddings are held with prayers and family love. They mix Christian faith with old Kerala customs.

How Long the Wedding Lasts

A Syrian Christian wedding usually takes one to two days. The church wedding and the feast are often held on the same day. The day before is often used for small functions and family gatherings. The wedding day is packed with prayers, photos and a big feast.

Before the Wedding

The families first agree on the match in a function called Manasammatham. The families meet, and they talk about the young couple. They share tea and sweets. The elders bless the couple. It is a happy meeting, and it settles the match.

The groom and bride then exchange rings in the engagement. The engagement is held in the church or at home. The priest blesses the rings and the couple. The families share a meal. The wedding date is fixed.

Before the wedding, the groom takes part in a ritual in which he is shaved and given a sandalwood paste. This is a traditional custom in many families. The groom’s friends and relatives are there. They sing songs and joke with him. The groom is dressed and prepared for the wedding. It is a light and happy time.

The Wedding Day

On the wedding day, the couple goes to the church for the wedding service. The bride arrives with her father, and the groom waits at the altar. The church is decorated with flowers. Family and friends fill the seats.

The priest blesses the couple and reads prayers. He speaks about love, faith and family. The couple promises to love and care for each other in good times and bad times. The church choir sings hymns.

The groom ties a gold pendant called a Minnu around the bride’s neck. The Minnu is a small gold ornament with a cross, and it is tied to a thread. It is the main symbol of marriage for the bride. He also gives her a veil sari called a Manthrakodi. The Manthrakodi is a white or cream sari, and it is placed on the bride’s head. It is a sign that she is now a wife. After the church service, the guests join the wedding feast.

Clothes and Jewelry

The bride wears a white sari with a gold border or a white gown. The sari is often a Kerala kasavu sari, with a gold border. She wears gold jewelry, such as a necklace, earrings and bangles. She also wears flowers in her hair. The groom wears a suit or a white shirt with a mundu. The dress is simple and neat.

Food, Music and Fun

The feast includes rice, fish or meat curries and Appam. Appam is a soft pancake made of rice flour and coconut milk. The dishes may also include beef, chicken and duck. Many are cooked with coconut and spices. Sweets and payasam are served at the end. There is cake and a toast. Guests give gifts and blessings. The wedding is a warm mix of prayer, food and family joy.