Sikhism is one of the newest world religions, having been founded in the 15th century, and during its short history it has founded a number of wedding traditions.
According to the Sikh holy book, the Sri
Guru Granth Sahib, marriage is about the merging of two souls. The ceremony is seen as a way for the participants to become closer to each other, spiritually, and, in so doing, closer to God.
Traditionally a Sikh marriage is a three-day celebration consisting of various rituals and ceremonies, though the wedding ceremony itself is a relatively simple affair.
The wedding can be held in any devoted Sikh’s
home, but is usually performed in the Sikh house of worship, known as the
Gurdwara. Most wedding ceremonies are held in the morning and couples need not worry which day or month they choose. In fact, recourse to superstitions or horoscopes about unlucky days is actively discouraged as it is considered bad luck.
In the three days leading up to the wedding, both bride and groom will be cleansed morning and night for their upcoming nuptials by their respective families.
The bride and groom will both be dressed on the morning of the wedding by close family members of the same sex.
The bride’s hands and feet will have been decorated with intricate patterns, called mehndi, using a henna paste. The bride will usually wear colorful robes, often of red and gold, which will be festooned with intricate jewellery. By contrast the female guests will be sure to wear mute colors so as to emphasize the bride’s radiance.
The groom’s clothing will be much simpler as well, usually an all-white ensemble.
Both men and women will cover their heads and remove their shoes for the ceremony.
During the ceremony, the couple will be symbolically joined during the Palaa ceremony in which the bride’s shawl is attached to her headdress.
The wedding ceremony is called Anand Karaj, which translates as ceremony of bliss’.
The ceremony begins when the couple is seated in front of the Sri Guru
Granth Sahib. The minister then reads passages from the book and addresses the couple and guests on the importance or marriage.
An important part of events is the Palaa
ceremony; a pink or saffron shawl is draped over the couple’s hands and shoulders. The bride’s father then ties part of the shawl to the bride’s headpiece, symbolizing their union.
What follows is probably the most crucial part of the ceremony, the Laavan. The
Laavan is a series of four prayers
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