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Analysis of wedding ceremony in Iran and India: from past to contemporary. I. Introduction and characteristics of cultures. I try to introduce in this work two cultures which found approximately were found in one time and following contemporary theories of origin of humanity were found from the same religious persuasion. My comparative retro perspective will move from past ancient time to modern tradition which was brought by another cultures and religions but there are still the same statements in both cultures. I try to analyze similarity and difference between marriage ceremony in two cultures and beliefs about its place in life.
a) First taken to analyze culture is territory of ancient Iran where main religious and philosophic doctrine beginning from VI century until new age was Zoroastrian religion. It was found by Prophet Zoroaster and appearance of first sacred book (Gates) attribute to his authorship; actually it was collection consists of 17 prayers. It was considered that Zoroaster was worshipper of Sacred Fire religious cult. In due with his doctrine from beginning of the world existed two duality forces: Spirit of Kindness (Ahura-Mazda) and Spirit of Evil (Ago-Many). They are always in struggle for human soul, but person should help for Kindness with his good deal to defeat Evil. Lately doctrine was added and complete work was called Avesta.
This is very wisdom book were found a lot of orders to ordinary earth life. And of course the Iranian wedding ceremony despite its local and regional variations, like many other rituals in the country goes back to the ancient Zoroastrian tradition. Though the concepts the theory of marriage have changed drastically by Quean and Islamic traditions, the actual ceremonies have remained more or less the same. Moreover it is well known fact that Ancient Iranian culture has it influence on development of world culture. It religious doctrine helps for philosophical points of ancient Greek culture, and was found eschatological doctrine in Christianity and Islam. b) Approximately in the same time (II century until New Age) in India was colonize by Aryan breeds, this time was beginning of principally new period in Hindu culture developing.
In this time was creating Sanskrit language. It became basic language for creating Vedas religious and philosophical doctrine of India. Vedas could interpretative as knowledge, but not knowledge as it is but as the sacred knowledge. For books including in Vedas consist main statement of Hindu religion Hinduism. Important place in Hinduism as in Iranian religious took Gods of Sacred Fire (Agni) and Sun (Sure), there is not such strict division between ideas of good and evil. But all those religions open mystery of creating universe in the similarly way.
There are a lot of interesting remarks in this comparison. First of all if we take to consideration that fact that Vedic religion was religion of Aryan people which in ancient time came to India and conquer local inhabitants. They create there own religion and make rules, of course after that local inhabitants were mixed with Arians but Arian religion had a rather strong conception which preserve it from mixing. Lately all religions were just derivative of primary religion. The most interesting thing if take to consideration place from where came Arian in was Iranian plateau, where referring to some contemporary conception was found humanity. There were a lot of possibilities that they bring the same religion as they left there, it is hard to assume, but probably Zoroastrian religion was derived from the same beliefs.
Sure, this is not thing to concentrate above, because we should not forgot about influence of climate and local inhabitants traditions. So, lets stay this assumption for them own. II. Comparison of characteristics of wedding ceremony in Zoroastrian and Hindu societies and its modification in modern times. Traditional Hindu marriage was strictly based on absolute trust, mutual affection, capacity to adjust and sharing the responsibilities equally.
Actually roots of all Hindu beliefs come deep from Vedic religion despite it was lately drastically changed by Buddhism religion, there are still a lot of traditions for example as in contemporary India at very stage of the wedding ceremony when the incantations (Mantras) from Vedas were uttered, prayers were offered to ensure a smooth life. In Hindu dharma, marriage is viewed as a sacrament and not a contract. Hindu marriage is a life-long commitment of one wife and one husband, and is the strongest social bond that takes place between a man and a woman. Grahastha Ashram (the householder stage), the second of the four stages of life begins when a man and a woman marry and start a household. For a Hindu marriage is the only way to continue the family and thereby repay his debt to his / her ancestors. In Hindu view, marriage is not a concession to human weakness, but a means for spiritual growth.
Man and woman are soul mates who, through the institution of marriage, can direct the energy associated with their individual instincts and passion into the progress of their souls. The character of the bridegroom was first assessed and his qualifications were taken into consideration. Both husband and wife should be loyal to each other and contrary to the mistaken belief that the wife was not treated on par with her husband she had full charge of the household while he was to assist her in maintaining the family. Wealth accumulated by him should be used for the family insisting that it should not be frittered away. The process of marriage commenced when the parents felt that their son was mature enough to shoulder responsibility. Unlike the prevailing custom now, in olden times the eligible boy's father used to go in search of a girl from a noble family and seek her parent's approval.
Hindu Parses (bridegroom and bride) could sit together on one bench. After witnesses from both sides gave their consent to marriage, two priests stood in face of bridegroom and bride and apply to them with ceremonial prayer, orders and congratulations. The parts of these prayers were uttered in the Sanskrit language, and were accompanied by special rite. A verse refers to the expectations regarding the factors governing compatibility: the bride yearning for a spouse with charm; her mother, a wealthy boy; the father, a boy of character and high educational qualifications and the relatives, about the family tradition. For the bridegroom, she must be a companion, an adviser and one who enthuse him in all his tasks. There is very interesting explanation of the significance of the mantras recited during the marriage ceremony.
The solemn assurance of upholding the spirit of unity was made before the Lord of Fire (Agni) serving as witness. The ''Paanigrahanam'' was an important step. The significance of taking seven steps was that the couple should never give scope for differences of opinion and should an occasion arise, both should respect the sentiments of the other, thereby ensuring that no confrontation takes place. As one who was in charge of the household, she should stand like a rock. Whether a fine image is carved out of it or rain pours on it or made to bear heat, the stone is impervious.
Another statement records that the father of the bride felt extremely happy and relieved that the interests of his daughter have been entrusted to a capable person. From then on, he concentrated on his personal work. The sanctity attached to the marriage has been clearly brought out in the Ramayana by the manner in which the divine couple conducted themselves, both in prosperity and in adversity. Zoroastrians of Iran have a bit another point of view toward people which are going to marry. In XIX century only parents could choose fiances for their children, nevertheless children without parents or tutors agreement could marry. After parent make a primary agreement between them, occurred names announcement of people get in marriage.
This made main priest, which should confirm marriage consent. In Iran bridegroom usually could not see his bride until wedding, this tradition began to change in the end of XIX century. Such traditions it is as usual influence of attitude toward woman and her role in society. According to this statement Zoroastrian ceremony had a big difference from Hindu marriage ceremony.
Usually there are two stages to a marriage. Most often both take place on the same day, but occasionally there could be some time between the two. The first is called Aged. This is when the legal process takes place, both the parties and their guardians sign a marriage contract and a bride price or may is set to guarantee the financial well being of the bride.
The second stage is the actual feasts and the celebrations, which traditionally lasts from 3 to 7 days. The ceremony takes place in a specially decorated room with flowers and a beautiful and elaborately decorated spread on the floor i. e. Sofreh Aged. By custom the Aged would normally take place at the brides home or her close relatives. The bridegroom is the first to take his seat in the room and the bride comes afterwards.
The bridegroom always sits on the right hand side of the bride. With Zoroastrians, the right side designates a place of respect. The bride and the bridegroom have each a marriage witness. Usually older and married males are chosen amongst close relations to stand as witnesses. The priest (Mula) or other males with recognized authority i. e.
a notary public perform the legal part of the ceremony. This consists of preliminary blessings, questions to the witnesses, guardians, the marrying couple and finally the ceremony is solemnized by reciting verses from Quean, the Muslims holy book and signing of a legal marriage contract. After the preliminary blessings and a few words about the importance of the institution of marriage the priest confirms with both the parents or guardians that they indeed wish to proceed with the ceremony and there are no objections. Then the priest asks the mutual consent of the couple.
First the bridegroom is asked if he wishes to enter in to the marriage contract then the bride is asked the same question. Once the bride is asked if she agrees to the...
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