Marriage – Tirumaṇam (திருமணம்) – is considered an important rite of passage in Tamil culture. It’s seen as a sacred bond that brings together two individuals and their families.
Tamil wedding traditions are grand, elaborate, and sacred, with many customs and rituals steeped in the culture. In this article, we’ll learn all about them. Let’s start!
Table Of Contents
The Origin Of Tamil Wedding Traditions
Tamil wedding traditions have been around for thousands of years and have a solid foundation in Dravidian culture, Hindu scriptures, and ancient customs. Texts like the Manusmriti and Dharmashastra, which describe marriage as a sacred bond rather than simply a social contract, have influenced the ceremonies and rituals.
Many wedding customs, such as the chanting of mantras and the sacred fire (agni homam), were later adopted from Vedic traditions, despite the fact that Tamil culture dates back to the Vedic era. While preserving fundamental traditions, various Tamil communities eventually developed their own distinctive wedding customs.
How Do Arranged Marriages Happen?
In a Tamil wedding, arranged marriages are the norm, and the families typically select the bride and groom. Like all good things, the process starts with introductions of both families. Families of the bride and groom get to know each other and share information about their respective families, including their backgrounds, education, and financial stability.
Once the families have agreed to proceed with the marriage, the bride and groom will meet each other, usually in the presence of their families. An essential part of their meetings is Horoscope Matching, ‘Jathaga porutham‘ (ஜாதகப் பொருத்தம்). The families will have the couple’s horoscopes evaluated by an astrologer jothidar (ஜோதிடர்) to determine if they are compatible. It is also a deal-breaker sometimes! If the horoscopes do not match, no marriage will occur.
The next step is the reference check. The families usually conduct a background check of the prospective bride and groom, including checking for the families’ reputation and social status before making a final decision. Then, the wedding date is fixed.
Pre Wedding Traditions
A formal wedding invitation, known as the Lagna Pathrikai, is prepared by both families prior to the wedding and given to friends and family. A special ritual called Sumangali Poojai is conducted, where married women (Sumangalis) pray for the well-being of the bride and groom.
This custom is carried out on an auspicious day approximately one week prior to the wedding in order to ask the family deity for blessings. Additionally, both families conduct a ceremony known as Panda Kaal Muhurtham to ensure a smooth wedding. Some families continue the custom of preventing the bride and groom from leaving the house after this ceremony.
This is followed by an official engagement ceremony. On this day the bride and groom exchange rings, and the wedding date is officially announced. Prior to the wedding day, it is common for the Kashi Yatra, or the “Journey to Kashi,” to be performed.
In this custom, the groom ceremonially renounces the pleasures of the world and embarks on a spiritual quest to Kashi (Varanasi) to seek wisdom; he is kindly stopped by the bride’s father, who convinces the groom to return to marry his daughter.
Wedding Day Traditions
Both the bride and groom receive Mangala Snanam, a sacred bath that represents purification, on the morning of the wedding. Then comes the Kanyadaanam ceremony, in which the father of the bride gives the groom his daughter’s hand as a sign of blessings and trust. The most important ceremony, the Mangal Sutra Ceremony, comes next, in which the bride and groom tie the holy Thaali (Mangal Sutra) around her neck as a sign of their marriage and a lifelong commitment.
Post Wedding Traditions
After the wedding, friends and family come together for a lavish reception to celebrate the newlyweds. The important ceremony known as Grihapravesham, which marks the bride’s first visit to the groom’s home, comes next. The couple plays a series of entertaining games called Vilayadal to break the ice and deepen their relationship.
Before completely embracing her new life, the bride spends a few days with her family at her parents’ house.
The Evolution Of Tamil Wedding Traditions
Curious about how Tamil wedding traditions have evolved over time? Here are some significant changes:
- Tamil weddings used to take three or four days, but these days, many ceremonies are shortened to one day.
- These days, contemporary attire is worn with traditional silk sarees and veshtis.
- Digital invitations are gradually replacing printed ones.
- In the past, family members handled wedding planning; now, for convenience, families hire wedding planners.
- Cinematic and candid wedding photos are now more common than staged ones.
- Pre-wedding photo shoots, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and bridal showers have all gained popularity recently.
- While traditional banana-leaf Tamil dishes are still loved, buffet-style multi-cuisine menus are frequently served alongside them.
Vocabulary Related To Tamil Weddings
Let’s now explore some Tamil vocabulary related to wedding traditions.
How Do You Say “Wedding Traditions” In Tamil?
In Tamil, “wedding traditions” are refered to as Thirumana sadangugal (திருமண சடங்குகள்).
Frequently Asked Questions About Tamil Wedding Traditions
1. Who Buys Mangalsutra For The Bride?
According to Tamil wedding traditions, the groom’s family buys Mangalsutra for the bride. It’s a holy necklace worn by married women that symbolizes marital commitment.
For a special pooja, or ritual, some families invite a goldsmith to their house so that the Mangalsutra Thaali (தாலி) can be made in front of them. This ceremony, which represents purity, wealth, and the sacred bond of marriage, is regarded as an essential component of wedding customs.
2. How Long Does A Tamil Wedding Take?
In recent days, Tamil wedding traditions can take two long days. Tamil wedding customs were complicated and meticulously complied with in the past, with a strong focus on rituals. While maintaining the spirit of traditional customs, many Tamil families now alter the ceremonies to suit their individual preferences.
3. Why Is Mangalsutra Important In Tamil Weddings?
A crucial part of Tamil weddings is the Mangalsutra Thali (தாலி), a holy symbolic necklace. The groom’s three knots stand for security, love, and faith in their lives. Traditionally, a yellow cotton thread is used to tie it, but over time, a gold chain has been used to increase its durability.
Final Thoughts
In Tamil culture, marriage is a lifelong commitment. These weddings are about more than just the bond between two people. Families and communities come together in these lavish celebrations of culture and love.
Now that you’re aware of these traditions, it’ll be easier to appreciate the beauty and spirit of this holy occasion.
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