sikh wedding Greece
All about a Sikh Wedding ceremony in Greece
Sikh wedding, also known as Anand Karaj, meaning “Blissful Union” is a very special ceremony in which two individuals are unified in an equal relationship. Sikh wedding is usually confused with Punjabi wedding. Punjabi is a Hindu state and it is clearly a coincidence that Sikhs speak Punjabi language.
The origins of Sikh wedding are tracked back to the 15th century at the time of Guru Amar Das. The ceremony and the “lavan”, the song that is sung during the ceremony, serve the fundamental principles of marriage and its unity with God. The first Sikh wedding was performed back in 1579. Since then, the ceremony has been legalized and performed by Sikhs all over the world.
The Sikh wedding ceremony
A Sikh wedding usually takes place in the morning. The friends and the family of both the bride and the groom gather in the Gurdwara, the wedding place. The couple is standing side by side along with each others parents, in order to show their acceptance for the wedding. A Sikh wedding conductor counsels the couple. He advises that the wedding is far more than a social contract. The principals of respect, love, support, encouragement, loyalty, equality, harmony are to be accepted and observed by the couple.
“Lavan”, the four hymns of Laav
Four nuptial rounds, each one of special significance, are performed. The “lavan” hymns outline the stages of the divine, spiritual union of the couple. They have been composed by Guru Raam Das for his own wedding. The verses of the lavan are meant to unify the soul of the bride and the groom into one conscious being.
The first Laav hymn asserts that marriage is the best state of a Sikh’s life. The second Laav emphasizes the awakening feelings of a bride, starting her new life beside his husband. The third nuptial Laav detaches the bride from any influences and declares her eternal devotion to her husband. The forth Laav describes a perfect union in which no feelings of separation are possible. The man and the woman are now considered to be husband and wife.
Nuptial attire
The Sikh bride dresses up extravagantly. As the act of marriage is connected spiritually with God, the bride is supposed to look her best. The bride will wear red, gold or white. The dress is usually red, as the color symbolizes prosperity, and embellished with beads. The bride cover her head and shoulder with a dupatta, for the main ceremony. Tikka, a head accessory, is put on under the dupatta. Ranihaar is a heavy and long necklace made of gold and is worn as well. The bride also wears her engagement ring. The groom must have his head covered with a turban and his face with a sehra. He also carried a sword called krijpan to the side of his waist to symbolize his role as head of the household. Beard is believed to be a symbol of men beauty.
Important tips.
- Both partners must be of Sikh origin.
- Equality is the main principal of Sikh wedding.
- Any Sikh chosen to conduct the ceremony will officiate.
- In 2014, marriage of a Sikh and non-Sikh approved.
Sikh wedding in Greece.
“Wedding in Greece” wedding planning team is able to offer you the opportunity to have a Sikh wedding in Greece. Greece is a country of extreme beauty which will make your wedding an outstanding experience. Consider having a Sikh wedding in Greece and choose among destinations of imposing beauty, as Athens, Santorini, Mykonos island. We will be glad to make your destination wedding vision come true.
For further information and arrangements please contact us at info@weddingingreece.com.
