Symbols
Traditional Hindu weddings include many symbols. The few discussed here will be part of the ceremony that I will attend.
Mangalsutra
The mangalsutra (alternately called a thaaly or a mangalyam)is a wedding necklace, given to the bride by the groom on the day of the ceremony. The name translates as "auspicious thread." It is made of black beads and might include a gold or diamond pendant. The color black is supposed to avert the evil eye, protecting the couple from evil powers. The mangalsutra is supposed to ensure the couple good fortune, love, affection, and lifelong friendship. The groom ties it around the bride's neck during the ceremony, tying it with three knots. It represents his promise to live with his wife forever. Married women consider the mangalsutra to be a symbol of their successful marriages, and they do not remove it unless their husband dies.
Mangalsutra
The mangalsutra (alternately called a thaaly or a mangalyam)is a wedding necklace, given to the bride by the groom on the day of the ceremony. The name translates as "auspicious thread." It is made of black beads and might include a gold or diamond pendant. The color black is supposed to avert the evil eye, protecting the couple from evil powers. The mangalsutra is supposed to ensure the couple good fortune, love, affection, and lifelong friendship. The groom ties it around the bride's neck during the ceremony, tying it with three knots. It represents his promise to live with his wife forever. Married women consider the mangalsutra to be a symbol of their successful marriages, and they do not remove it unless their husband dies.
Bindi
The bindi is a dot on the forehead. It is traditionally applied using a special red powder. In modern times, people can even purchase stick-on bindi in a variety of colors. Its location on the forehead is said to harness wisdom. It is also supposed to increase energy and concentration, as well as protecting against bad luck. It can be worn by anyone and is not limited to brides or even married women.
Mandap
The mandap is the altar where the wedding occurs. It has four pillars, which represent the couple's parents. These pillars represent the stability that their parents gave to the bride and groom by raising them. The sacred fire is typically positioned in the middle of the mandap. No one should wear shoes on the mandap; it is considered to be "holy ground."
Fire
A ceremonial fire burns in a metal container at the altar. It represents Agni, the sacred fire diety, who is considered to be an important witness to a Hindu marriage.
Coconut
The priest may use a coconut in his ceremony, or the groom may present it to the bride's family. The coconut represents fertility.
Water
The bride's mother may wash the palms of the bride and groom. The priest may also sprinkle them with water. The water represents purification.
Garlands of Flowers
The bride and groom may place flowers around each other's necks. The fresh flowers signify beauty. The garland itself (in other cases, a rope) represents their unification.
Rice or Millet
At various points in the ceremony, the bride and groom may feed each other grains of rice or step on small heaps of the grain. The grains represent sustenance and human life. In some ceremonies, the bride's brother may hand the rice to the bride, who then hands it to the groom, representing the link between their two families.
Stone
The ceremony often includes a "treading of the grindstone," in which the bride places her feet on a stone with the help of the groom. This stone represents the rock-solid foundation of their union. It indicates that they will be firm and steadfaste in their love for each other.