The article on Western Christian marriage has been written a lot, and I think some of the insights into other wedding practices may be a refreshing change. There is currently no official data on the number of Buddhists in the world, but the estimated number is between 300 million and 500 million. Official statistics are impossible because China is generally suppressing religion. In any case, Buddhism is at least the sixth largest religion on earth.
Buddhism considers marriage to be a secular issue. Buddhism does not consider marriage to be a sacrament or a religious obligation. Therefore, Buddhist monks do not hold weddings or host ceremonies. Instead, their role is to perform the religious service of the couple.
Like most cultures and religions, things start when the bridegroom asks the bride to marry. This can be done by the boy himself or by the parent in a "arranged" marriage. Either way, when the boy finds his intention, he will send a family friend to the girl's home. The friend brought a bottle of wine or other alcoholic beverage and a white silk scarf called khada. The purpose of the friend is to determine if the girl's family is interested in the proposal. This traditional ceremony is called Khachang. If the girl's family is interested in the proposal, we will arrange a meeting between the two families and compare kikas. Kikas is a bit like astrology, used to determine the date of engagement, the color of the bride and groom's clothing, and other important dates and details. Tradition also requires the groom to give gifts to his bride. It could be land, money or anything of value.
Next is the official engagement called Nanchang. Lama or rimpoche [monks] supervise Nanchang. Consult Kikas again to determine the most appropriate date for the wedding. On the wedding day, the bride and groom will live together in any of their homes. The mother and uncle of both sides play an important role in the ongoing negotiations. The bride gives the bride's mother a gift of rice and chicken, thank you for raising the girl. The bride's unmarried elder brothers and sisters and her mother will get meat and drinks.
When the date of the wedding ceremony arrived, the bride, groom, family and friends gathered in the place where the Buddha's Temple was pre-positioned. In front of the shrine, decorated with flowers and decorated with candles. All participants will recite Tisarana, Pancasila and Vandana. Then the couple was instructed to light the candles and incense. The couple recited the oath of Sigilovdda Sutta [Digha Nikilya]:
groom
"For my wife, I promise to love and respect her, be kind and considerate, loyal, entrust domestic management, and provide gifts to please her."
bride
"To move towards my husband, I promise to do my housework effectively, to be hospitable, loyal, to protect and invest in my parents and my husband's friends, and to perform my duties with due diligence."
At the end of the vow, parents and/or gatherings will recite Mangala Sutta and Jayamangala Gatha to bless the couple.
Orignal From: Buddhist wedding
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