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Various Customs and Traditions of Knanaya Catholics
Marriage
- ADachu ThuRa - Shutting and opening of the bride's chamber at
the end of the marriage festivities at home.
- Antham Charthal (Chantham Charthal) - Purification or beautification
of the bridegroom by shaving face and bathing with oils, etc on the eve
of marriage.
- "Beru Mariam" Song - A prayer in praise of Jesus as
Son of Mary, sung by the priests and the laymen at the end of the marriage
ceremony in the church.
- Kacha Thazhukal - A ceremony using a new piece of cloth given
to bride's relatives as a gift by the groom's party (Usually to bride's
mother, grandmother, and maternal uncle/aunt).
- Icha-Pad~ Kodukkal - Ceremony of giving sweet pudding to the
bride and groom in their home after the beautification ceremony.
- Illa-PaNam - A small amount of money is given to the bride's
party by the groom's people as offering to the churches.
- Kaipidutham - Betrothal Ceremony by blessing the hands of the
uncles of bride and bridegroom by the priest
- Koluvilakku - Lighted oil-lamp placed near the bride and bridegroom
for Mylanchi Ideel and Antham Charthal. This lamp is also used to welcome
the couple after the wedding. This lamp signifies the presence of Christ,
the light of the world.
- My-lanchi Ideel - Beautification of the palms and feet of bride
by the leaves from "Mylanchi" shrub on the eve of marriage. This
signifies the purification of hands and feet from the original sin committed
by Adam and Eve.
- NaDa Vili - Cheers (NaDa NaDaaye..., NaDa NaDa NaDa) given to
the bride and bridegrrom while going home from the church after the marriage
(It also serves to alert the wedding receptionists to complete their final
touches).
- Nellum Neerum - Sign of cross done using the blessed palm leaves
(from Palm Sunday) wetted in the patty (rice) water, on the forehead of
the bride and groom wishing them God's blessing and happiness.
- Vazhu Pidutham - The rite of giving God's blessing to bride
and groom by the mother of bride by placing her hands in the form of a
cross on their heads.
- VeN~ PaachoR - A special sweet rice porridge ceremoniously given
to the new couples after marriage.
Funeral
- Drinking from the Blessed Coconut - To show that the sons and
the daughters of the dead should live in fraternal communion.
- Folding the Plantain Leaf for Meals - This reminds that King
Cheraman Perumal honored Thomas Kinai and party by giving them two plantain
leaves for royal dinner.
- Thazhukal - Embracing relatives of the dead person in the church
after the funeral, to express the condolence.
Other
- Maargam Kali and Patt~ - Religious dance (ballad) performed
in connection with joyful relegious and social functions. The songs contain
accounts of the appostolic work by ST. Thomas and the voyage and migration
of Thomas Kinai and his group.
- Puraathana PaaTTukaL (Ancient Songs) - Traditional songs sung
by the participants and relatives during marriage ceremonies and festivities.
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Knanaya Catholic Community