Blessings
On the wedding day, at the respective homes of both bride and groom, the priest and close relatives gather for prayers. Because they are going to be elevated as the heads of a new family, at this time they stand on a woven grass mat and, and from that time onwards they are treated as important persons.
After prayers the elders of the family and other respected community members like the first teacher of bride or groom are given gifts (Dhakshina) and in return they give their blessings. The Dhakshina consists of a betel leaf, areca nut and tobacco. Now tobacco is not included because of its presumed health hazard.
Read more about this topic: Mar Thoma Weddings
Famous quotes containing the word blessings:
“Three meals plus bedtime make four sure blessings a day.”
—Mason Cooley (b. 1927)
“These to thee, my God, we owe;
Source whence all our blessings flow;
And for these my soul shall raise
Grateful vows and solemn praise.”
—Anna Letitia (Aikin)
“[A trip to France] will make you adore your own country, it’s soil, it’s climate, it’s equality, liberty, laws, people and manners. My God! How little do my countrymen know what precious blessings they are in possession of, and which no other people on earth enjoy.”
—Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826)