Marriage

 

The word "marriage" derives from three languages – Middle English, Latin and Old French between 1250 – 1300 CE.

There is a saying – “Marriages are made in heaven…” Most of us believe this.

Before marriage the life might be different but tieing the knot the marriage life starts. He or She don’t know each other till the marriage fixes, once it is done, they try to know each other like sharing opinions, knowing each other tastes, sharing life etc.

But there is a time to fall in love with each other, a single magic moment happens in each other’s life where he or she fall for each other. They do not try to impress each other, he or she come to know how good or bad the partner is, what is the character, behaviour etc. One day most of the couple try to reveal everything about the past life to his/her partner to stay happily in life without any clashes.

When comparing the love and arranged marriage, in love marriage, they might know each other already but not in arranged marriage.

Depends on the knowledge and understanding between each other, the marriage might break or continue the relationship, have to handle the things very peacefully and with patience. Balancing the partner, parents and relations might be little tougher but need to manage the things.

Marriages makes the different families to unite, it might be love marriage or arranged. Different religions follow different culture in marriages. Taking the bride from her father’s home to one’s own home is termed as ‘vivaha’ or ‘udvah’. Vivaha means Panigrahan, meaning the groom holding the hand of the bride to make her his wife. Girl leaves her family by believing her husband will take care of her entire life is the greatest part of her life. She sacrifices, compromise, adjust for her husband’s family. The man should perform his own duties and responsibilities to make his wife happy.

The bride and groom take seven steps symbolizing a vow for each step towards one another.

1. Together we will share the responsibilities of home and children

2. Together we will develop mental, physical and spiritual strength

3. Together we will prosper and share our worldly goods

4. Together we will fill over hearts with great joy, peace and happiness

5. Together we will raise strong and virtuous children

6. Together we will remain faithful, lifelong partners.

7. Together we will cherish each other and our families in sorrow and happiness.

 

The married Hindu women in different parts of India follow different customs. Mostly sindoor, mangalsutra and bangles are considered as signs of a married woman.

The Mangalsutra, a necklace that the groom ties around the bride’s neck, is considered to protect the married couple from the evil eye and symbolize the longevity of the husband’s life, making it inauspicious if the mangalsutra is lost or breaks. Women tend to wear it every day as a reminder of their duty to their husbands.

Sindoor (vermilion) is another significant symbol – when a woman no longer wears sindoor, it usually means widowhood. A bindi, a forehead decoration mostly worn by wives, is thought of as a “third eye” and is said to ward off bad luck.

 

According to Hinduism there are eight different types of marriages. Not all have religious sanction.

Brahma, Daiva, Arsha, Prajapatya, Gandharva(Love), Asura, Rakshasa, Paisacha

Mangalyam thanthuna anena – This mangal sutra (This sacred thread) (thantu – thread)

hetuna – is essential (hetu – reason, purpose)

mama – my

jeevana – life (long life) (for my long life)

Kante – around your neck (in, on etc. prepositions are signified by the 'e' ending)

badhnami – I am tying

Subhage – oh, maiden of many auspicious attributes

twam – you (may you)

jeeva – live

sarada – years (from Sarad ritu)

satam – hundred