Introduction: Buddhist wedding. Buddhism is known for its simplicity, which is often reflected in its wedding ceremonies. Buddha did not consider marriage as a sacred ceremony. So it is a social event rather than a religious event. Buddhist weddings also do not have the complicated rituals that can be seen in other religious wedding ceremonies.
A Buddhist wedding ceremony symbolizes the commitment of companionship between two people. It is a faith-based marriage, not a religion-based one, where both couples pledge to maintain a sincere and spiritually strong relationship. More than anything else, marriage to Buddhists is based on faith and belief.
Wedding in Buddhism is very traditional. The bride can change it during a Buddhist wedding. Dress up to 5 times! The whole episode of being married may take up to 24 hours. The actual event only takes 30 minutes.
Would you like to know about Buddhist wedding dresses, rings, attire, blessing, rituals, and vows? Let’s start;
Dress-wearing in a Buddhist wedding
The bride usually beautifies herself with a dress called Bhaku, made using brocade fabric. On top, she wears a Hanju, a long-sleeved blouse featuring Chinese silk to bring out her elegant draping style. She then wears a scarf and a unique jacket to complete the look.
Along with her dress, she also wears large ornaments of precious and semi-precious stones like pearl, coral, and turquoise around her neck and forehead. There is no strict color code for clothing, although black is generally avoided as it is considered flawed.
The bridegroom also wears the Bhaku, but in the case of the bridegroom, it reaches just above the ankles. It is worn with a vest called a Lajha. He also has to wear a cap made of matching brocade and a sash around the waist.
Rings exchange at a Buddhist wedding
Buddhist recitations can be performed for weddings. Rings will then be exchanged as an outward symbol of an inner spiritual bond that binds two hearts together in a marriage partnership.
Relatives bring various types of meat as gifts, and the bride’s mother is offered rice and chicken to appreciate her daughter’s upbringing.
On the wedding day, the couple goes to the temple early in the morning with their families, and the groom’s family brings gifts for the bride and her family.
The couple and their families gather before the Buddha’s shrine and recite traditional Buddhist wedding vows. After the wedding ceremony, the couple and their families retire to a more secular setting to enjoy the feast and exchange gifts or presents.
Attire in a Buddhist wedding
According to Confetti, the bride and groom are usually dressed in semi-formal or formal attire. The bride usually wears a dress, and the spouse usually wears a suit. The bride and groom’s clothing is often inspired by the traditional wedding attire of the country where the bride and groom live. For example, an American bride practicing Buddhism may wear a formal white wedding gown.
Guests are generally allowed to wear whatever they want but are asked to keep it modest and tasteful. According to Confetti, clothing should be transparent.
Buddhist wedding rituals
Buddhist blessed marriage is an attempt to connect and share a good blessing, especially in a divine sense. Man is trying to communicate with the force of goodness and to invite this ‘energy’ into a particular situation to channel some of that energy into the people present.
Buddha’s Sermon in Rajgah Do not deceive; do not despise one another anywhere. Do not be angry or hold a secret grudge. Because a mother will risk her life and take care of her child, be loving, tender, kind, and gentle to everyone.
Love good intentions right and left, early and late, and without hindrance, free from hatred and envy, standing, walking and sitting, whatever you think. There is a principle of life that is always best. Today we promise to give ourselves entirely to each other in body, speech, and mind. In this life, in all circumstances, wealth or poverty, health or sickness, happiness or hardship, we will work to help each other to the fullest.
The goal of our relationship will be to attain enlightenment by perfecting our kindness and compassion towards all sentient beings.
Buddhist wedding Rituals
Most Buddhist ceremonies include a ritual that symbolizes the union of husband and wife. Some partners exchange rings in the Western tradition. At Luck’s wedding, the monks ask him and Jackie to pour a jug of water into a silver bowl.
“Libation represents togetherness and builds a sense of belonging for our loved ones,” she describes. In Southeast Asian countries such as Cambodia, Buddhists tie a red line around the couple’s wrists or wrap a long white thread around their heads to form partners. Thai monks may perform a water blessing and pour it into their partners’ hands.
In Japan, partners drink from three separate bowls that represent the three “jewels”: Buddha, Dharma (teachings), and Sangha (community). The bride bids farewell to her family and prays to their ancestors. They are given earrings as a gift by his mother and mother-in-law. These are one—symbol of his youth.
Vows in a Buddhist wedding
Some partners legally formalize their marriage before or after marriage. Other couples hold a civil tradition that includes vows. These vows reflect their commitment to patience and compassion through the inevitable relationship changes. Some people may read the lines pointed out by Buddhist elders or write them down themselves.
Groom states, “To my wife, I certify to adore and value her. Be kind and friendly, be trustworthy, and be a home representative. Management, give him gifts to satisfy him.”
The bride states, “To my spouse, I vow to do my homework. To my husband, be loyal, protect us, and support us. Treat your in-laws and friends with hospitality. Earn, perform your duties with love and honesty.”
Conclusion
The first stage of a Buddhist marriage is the matchmaking process, where the bride or groom’s parents usually choose a suitable life partner. In modern instances, a girl or a boy may also choose their life partner, but this usually involves older rituals. A proposal is traditionally expected from the boy’s family. Horoscope matching is given great importance in this process. Once the horoscopes are matched, the wedding preparations proceed.
Also read: Pros and cons of Polygamy; What is marriage?; Cheating Husband Signs; What does Buddhism say about women?; Buddhism and marriage; Adultery in Buddhism
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