Marriage

Author(s): Natubhai Shah
Publisher: UK Jain Academy

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Opening and Closing Rituals in a wedding ceremony
In most weddings usually the music marks the beginning and end of the ceremony; the ringing of bells also indicates the beginning and / or ending of the ceremony. Before the ceremony begins the bride's family greets the groom and his family and enthusiastically welcomes them. In many cultures, it is the Godparents, or Aunts and Uncles who escort each partner to the altar, mandap or canopy for marriage. Parents, grandparents, godparents or other close relatives are honoured for their love and support by each partner during the ceremony. These special people can each be recognized with the gift of a flower, a corsage, a special poem or a simple hug and kiss.
The Wedding Canopy
The wedding canopy has become more popular with secular and interfaith couples as well, particularly with the outdoor weddings. The canopy represents the home the couple will make together. The wedding canopy is usually decorated with flowers. In the Hindu tradition, the canopy is called a "Mandap" and in the Hawaiian tradition, a "Kappa". The Finnish call it the "bridal sky". Danish couples may walk through an archway made of pine beech or oak branches, which represents entering their first home together.
benetes
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Traditional Canopy
Indian Wedding Mandap
Special rituals in some wedding ceremonies
In certain traditions there are special rituals such as pebble ceremony or a "Glass Heart" Ceremony (wish for success of the marriage); wine and bread ceremonies (where wine symbolises sweetness of life) and breaking bread (symbolises the sharing throughout the lives together); unity candle, unity bouquet or sand ceremony (signifying their new life together as "One"); Salt ceremony (indicating a binding contract); Coins and Gift Giving (promise of financial support to the bride); Circling (may represent each partner making their spouse the
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