Two hearts one life...

Do you know when the act of marriage in a Christian wedding is completed?

You may say when the thali is tied, or when the exchange of rings is completed or you may even think that when the groom kisses the bride. Sadly you missed the bus. In the excitement to catch the side shows that are done to satisfy the requirements of society and the people around the actual wedding gets lost and even the camera man and the parents do not notice.

If you are puzzled and still wondering what I am talking about I suggest that next time pay attention when the priest who is officiating the wedding asks the bride and groom for consent, when they have said their consent with “I Do” or its variants the priest says “Since it is your …you may join your right hands…” and that ladies and gentlemen is the wedding rite. Whatever happens afterwards is part of the spectacle that we love to behold. 

I like to wear a wedding band on my hand because it ensures parity between the spouses where each has the name of the other on their person telling the general public that they belong to each other. This is missing with the thali, the fountain of many sentiments in our movies where the wife has a thali around her neck and usually the “metti” on her toes. I am not challenging the sentiments attached to either but I personally feel that they are one sided. The man usually roams free of any encumbrances.

Among other things this thali can also be a cause for potential personal injury apart from mental injuries arising from marriage. In some communities they vie with each other to see whose is thicker and since the thickness is usually contributed by the gold in the chain they tend to attract the eyes of those wanting to make a quick buck also. I have been a part of a meet the neighbour police interactions where the policemen politely suggest that women at least cover up their sign of marriage to ward of potential chain snatchers but to no avail.

The other aspect of this chain is when it gets misplaced and then all hell breaks loose. The sentiments that come along with it can be nerve wracking as the momentary loss of it will make people fear for the strength of the marriage itself. And if this comes to the notice of the elders in the family the plight of the wife can become very pitiable. Such is the emotion that is attached to this chain which is the side act.

Remember marriage is the joining of the two hands and the marriage will last as long as the two hands are together with or without a chain or a ring.

P.S. This is for a Christian wedding, it may or may not be the same for other weddings but the principle remains…

Images courtesy Google Images

Wedding Song Video courtesy Youtube