History
Mar Thoma Christians (a sect of St.Thomas Christians) are generally natives of Indian state of Kerala. It is believed that during the time of King Solomon, there was trade in spices and luxury articles between Malabar Coast and Palestine.During the second exile (586 BC) some of the Jews came and settled in Kerala. They were known as Bene Israel. They continued their Jewish customs and traditions amalgamated with local customs. Even today, Mar Thoma weddings include several Jewish elements and Indian customs.
In the first century, Thomas the Apostle arrived to preach the gospel to the Jewish community. It is believed that several Jews along with some locals converted to Christianity. St Thomas Christians, as their followers are called, have undergone several changes over history. Mar Thoma Church is one of the several sects of St Thomas Christians, also called as Nasranis. This article describes their wedding customs and traditions in the past and in the present.
Read more about this topic: Mar Thoma Weddings
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