marriage customs in kerala

MARRIAGE CUSTOMS : Kerala has evolved through the ages its own marriage customs and code of morals . The different communities and castes of Kerala have developed over centuries their own typical marriage ceremonies. The Hindus belonging to all castes generally compare the horoscope of the boy with that of the girl and satisfy themselves of their compatibility before the proposal for the marriage. 'Tali tying' and presentation of cloth i.e., pudavokoda in South Kerala and pudamuri in North Kerala have become and essential part of Hindu marriages.

The Christians and Muslims have their own characteristic marriage ceremonies. The one thing common they have with Hindu marriages is the tall - wedding badge - tying ceremony. The tali of the Christians is a cord made out of 21 threads from the marriage cloth or mantrakodi which is also presented to the bride.

Among the Muslims, the actual ceremony is called 'Nikkah'. The father of the bride sit face to face with the bridegroom, clasping each others hands. The musaliar, the priest, then announces the conditions of the marriage contract and the bridegroom gives his consent. The mahar or the amount the bridegroom has agreed to pay to the bride will also then be publicly announced. The women do not generally take part in the nikkah but they assemble in ceremony.

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