Last night we went to an engagement party for a friend of mine. The Bride (my friend) is from a somewhat poor family and they are all believers. The groom was an orphan from a Buddhist background who was taken in by some Americans living in the area when he was a boy. They raised him, along with many other orphans, and he is now a believer as well. It was really a blessing to be able to attend this ceremony and experience such a meaningful tradition that was a mix of both Indian tradition and Christian.
Once the girl and boy were seated, there was prayer and singing songs of praise. Then the American father of the groom gave a blessing and message about the meaning of the occasion and the commitment that is being made. I was really thankful that this was in English and then translated into Hindi so that I could understand. The purpose of the ceremony is to bring two families together- for the family members to celebrate the engagement and get to know one another, as two families are bing joined together. The message was a really good word on what true love is, and the father used scripture and the example of God's love for us. I know the hindu family sitting next to me has been having marital problems and I think this was certainly a good word for them, but also a good reminder for me as it is so easy to seek my own good in marriage instead of my husband's.
After this, the family of the Bride to be lined up in front of her and the family of the groom to be lined up in front of him and the father of the g2b asked the family for their daughter. Then the couple came forward and there was an exchange of rings and a word of commitment on the part of both families and the couple. Then the families exchanged gifts with one another.
Once the girl and boy were seated, there was prayer and singing songs of praise. Then the American father of the groom gave a blessing and message about the meaning of the occasion and the commitment that is being made. I was really thankful that this was in English and then translated into Hindi so that I could understand. The purpose of the ceremony is to bring two families together- for the family members to celebrate the engagement and get to know one another, as two families are bing joined together. The message was a really good word on what true love is, and the father used scripture and the example of God's love for us. I know the hindu family sitting next to me has been having marital problems and I think this was certainly a good word for them, but also a good reminder for me as it is so easy to seek my own good in marriage instead of my husband's.
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| The bride 2 be is in turqoise and the g2b is off to the side (people kept standing in front of me so I couldn't get a good picture) After the family exchange of gifts, other people brought gifts up to the couple and greeted them. Then a large dinner of fried rice, fried bread, paneer, chickpeas, chicken, and mixed vegetables was served. It would be fun to do this when our children get married! |
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