FeaTUre
and the whole party come together to
watch them depart and wish them well.
HIndu trAdItIOns
There are over 20,000 hindus living
in ireland and many of their wedding
traditions rely on the stars.
“a typical hindu wedding ceremony
takes place at the bride’s family home,”
says sudhansh Verma of the hindu
Cultural Centre of ireland. “Usually the
day and time of the event is decided
astrologically by the priest reading the
couple’s horoscopes.”
The ceremony is conducted by a priest
from bride’s side but the groom’s party
also brings their own priest to ensure the
‘proper conduct’ of the rituals.
garlands are exchanged during the
ceremony which can take up to six
hours to complete. One of the traditional
customs requires the couple to walk
seven times around a small ceremonial document has been read, the groom
fire called a ‘havan’ to the chanting of then breaks a glass wrapped in cloth
sacred mantras by the priest. as a reminder of the destruction of the
“Traditionally, the couple wasn’t very temple in Jerusalem,” he adds.
involved in the preparations,” explains The couple will then be officially
sudhansh. “But, nowadays, they help wed and, having fasted for 24 hours
their parents organise guest lists, before the ceremony, they will go to
invitations, and menus – the choice of an ante-room to have tea and biscuits
dress is down to the bride, but it must on their own before mingling with the
have approval from the parents.” congregation. Traditional food, music different aspects of life
The wedding feast is a lavish affair, and dance will then follow as the 9 a gathering prayer – calling on
offered by the bride’s family – numbers wedding party celebrates the future of the energies of the congregation to
can range from 100 to 4,000 guests. The the newlyweds. wish the couple well in their new
meal is usually a buffet with anything life together.
from five to 30 courses! tHe CeltIC sPrIt “This ceremony is very special and
Dara Molloy is a Celtic monk who has can only take place at this location,” he
jewIsH CereMOnIes united many couples in different types says. But i have also performed ceremonies
There are less than 2,000 Jewish people of ceremonies. “i perform ceremonies in in a castle, a tower house, a garden, a
living in ireland but this doesn’t mean the Celtic tradition but don’t belong to beach and on the Cliffs of Moher.”
that their traditions are anything less any institutional church,” he says. The service takes up to 40 minutes,
than authentic. Cantor alwyn shulman Located on the aran islands, Dara costs around €350 and can be officiated
of the Jewish Community of ireland says performs his ceremonies in an old Celtic anywhere in the country.
that the rich, vibrant customs of this monastery on inis Mor, where he uses Despite the fact that traditions vary
ancient religion are very much at the a holy well to bless the bride, a standing throughout the denominations, there
forefront of their wedding ceremonies. stone to bless the groom, the altar for is one aspect that remains the same –
“We have five synagogues in ireland vows and a sundial to seal the contract. every newlywed couple is united in love.
and when a couple gets married, the The celebrant can unite the couple in
bride will be escorted into the synagogue whichever way they choose including:
by her parents,” he explains. “she will 9 a Christian blessing – a standard prayer
then walk seven times around the groom 9 a religious prayer – an all For more information:
before the rabbi addresses the party and encompassing blessing
www.cgcd.ie or call (01) 873 0606
9
www.africacentre.ie or call (01) 865 6951
celebrates a combination of engagement a blessing from the four elements –
www.islamfortoday.com or call (01) 453 32 42
and marriage vows.” earth, sky, sun and water
www.hindus.ie or call (085) 721 8803
“Once the ring has been placed on 9 a calling to the four directions –
www.jewishireland.or or call (01) 492 3751
daramolloy@iol.ie or call (087) 279 5642
the bride’s finger, vows have been North, south, east and West,
exchanged and a traditional aramaic with each one representing
The WhiTe pages 145
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