A PEEK THROUGH ERA
There is predominant agreement that the root or origin of marriage's ancient recorded in history, but the earliest recorded evidence of marriage ceremonies uniting both woman and a man comes from about 2350 BC. Over the next several centuries, wedding/marriage evolved into a widespread institution adopted and embraced by various cultures. The main purpose of wedding used to be to ally with families, either for political or economical reasons or both. In most cases, the marriages are arranged, with the couple getting married having no say in the matter.
Even today, in some cultures and religions, weddings are arranged on the same basis. Although the basic principle of weddings/marriage has remained constant, the history of wedding shows how it has evolved. As marriage evolves, so will the law governing it evolves.
ONCE UPON A TIME, IT WASN’T REALLY HER DAY
(WEDDING CUSTOMS IN ANCIENT INDIA)
In ancient times, marriages/wedding were contracted when the couple were too young in their teens. The parents searched for a suitable partner for him in his prepubescent, and approached the girl's family with a marriage proposal. In the past, there was a middleman who searched for an alliance and proposed it to each family. He even acted as a go-between and suggested a suitable date and time for the wedding after matching the birth dates of the bride and groom. In Indian weddings, the bride's family was the host of the event
WEDDING CUSTOMS IN MODERN INDIA CHANGED THROUGH YEARS
In later times, the rights of women and even men in choosing their life partners changed due to social changes. It became the duty of parents to look for and invite suitable partners for their children. Times have changed recently, and wedding/marriages are performed with respect for dignity (especially the bride's family). Nowadays, both boys and girls have their own opinions about choosing a life partner. Once a couple is married, they must live together.
MODERN ASPECTS OF WEDDING
(Everything In This Blog You Need To Know)
Indian weddings not only celebrate the union of two individuals, they celebrate the joining of two extended families. A modern India-infused wedding may last longer and be larger than you are used to, as weddings in India last for several days and include massive guest lists, many of whom are strangers to the bride and groom. The wealthier the family, the longer the wedding. Seeing the size and population, India is a diverse country and wedding customs are hardly homogeneous. Traditions will vary region to region but here are some of the most popular elements that can be found at a wedding.
There are few events with quite as many traditions as a wedding, but that doesn't mean you can't still make your day your own. If you're looking to plan a wedding with a classic structure but the right hint of modernity, know that you're not alone. Whether they're trying to appease older generations of family members who have strong opinions on what a wedding looks like or want to follow traditions they love but ditch others that don't work for them, plenty of couples are searching for ways to bring their big days into the 21st century.
IMPORTANCE OF SAATH-PHERE
(The Sacred Vows Of Hindu Marriages)
What makes Indian weddings truly special and unique are the intricate traditions and heritage that bind not just the wedding but also our lives and society as a whole. At the very center of Hindu wedding customs lie the seven basic tenets of married life, or the “Saath Phere”. The Saat Phere marks the seven sacred vows of marriage/wedding that the bride and groom make to validate their commitment to each other, binding them in a lifelong marriage/wedding. While the custom of taking seven circles around the fire while reading out the seven vows is specific to a few cultures, all Hindu cultures around the country follow some variation of the concept.
Today, as modern relationships evolve constantly to adapt to changing dynamics between couples, many age-old rituals have felt the winds of change, with couples finding ways to mold them to their unique lives while still maintaining a link to tradition. Celebrating the essence of the Indian wedding rooted in traditions, we understand the meaning and significance of the Saat Phere, and how they can be embraced in modern wedding marriages.