Weddingbee boards

Symbolisms in an Indian Christian Marriage Ceremony

Minnu/Thali (Pendant)

The minnu is an Indian custom incorporated into Kerala Christian marriages. It is a pendant with a cross, the symbol of Christianity, on a gold medallion shaped like a heart.  The heart symbolizes the concept of love, and the cross reflects that the relationship between a husband and wife should be in the image of the relationship between Jesus and his bride, the Church. 

Seven Strands of Thread

The minnu is put on seven strands of thread from the manthrakodi. Seven represents the Sabbath, the seventh day, which is the day of rest, as well as the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. The groom ‘ties the knot’ around the bride’s neck. This signifies the lifelong inseparable bond established in marriage.

 

Part-2

 

Manthrakodi (Sari)

Manthra means specially blessed and kodi means new clothes.  Placing the manthrakodi upon the bride’s head symbolizes Rebecca, who took a veil and covered herself when she first saw Isaac. This was an act of humility, chastity and devotion to her lifelong partner united in marriage by God. The groom accepts the responsibility to care for and cherish his bride. A woman from the groom’s family stands behind the bride, signifying the reception into the home of her husband.