Marthoma Grooms

Marthoma matrimony entails the communion of Marthoma grooms or Marthomite grooms with brides through the bond of the holy wedding. Marthoma Christians are descendants of people who were converted to Christianity by St. Thomas, the Apostle of Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah or Jesus Christ. The disciple of Jesus Christ, St. Thomas, came to the west coast of Kerala in AD 52. Initially, Hindus were converted into Christians through the teachings of Jesus Christ, which were spread in the entire region of Kerala by St. Thomas, the Apostle through word of mouth. According to Christianity, the Bible is the true & original word of Jesus Christ.

The traditional & cultural customs followed through in Marthoma matrimony, has a resemblance to Hindu cultural beliefs. Minnukettu, in Marthoma matrimony, is almost identical to thaalicharthu, in Hindu weddings. Marthoma matrimony does look into the astrological profile of Marthoma grooms or Marthomite grooms and brides, before finalizing the alliance or engagement. The ceremony for Marthoma matrimony usually conducted in the native language or mother-tongue & the language thought to be spoken by Jesus Christ in Jerusalem, which is Aramaic.

Some Syrian Marthomas still believe in the authentici of horoscopes and astrology and it plays an important role in arranging a marriage. Like in most Christian sects, arranged marriages are not just common, but they are the norm. A Marthoma Syrian Wedding service in conducted in Malayalam and Syriac, an Aramic language, believed to have been spoken by Jesus and his followers, both. The verses are usually in Syriac and are sung in a lilting tone by the presiding priests. The groom, dressed smartly in a suit and the bride dressed in white, either a saree or a gown stand in front of the altar for the ceremonies to begin. The chief priest sings a few chosen verses in Syriac which are often repeated by other priests present at the ceremony. Once this is over, the priest blesses the maanthrakodi and the minnu, which are kept on the altar table with the sacred cross.

Marthoma grooms or Marthomite grooms usually dress up in a traditional suite while the brides go for a white wedding gown or sari, in line with the customs & tradition of Marthoma matrimony. Once the marriage is conducted by the priest of the parish, where the Marthoma groom or Marthomite groom goes to worship regularly, the couple seeks blessings from elders, parents & other important and significant relatives and family friends.

According to Marthoma Matrimony, on the wedding eve, there is a custom known as madhuram-vaykkal. During this ceremony, both Marthoma Grooms and brides are given sweets as a symbolic way of sweetening the entire marriage life ahead. During this ritual, either ayani churut or a sweet made with coconut & honey is given. After the ceremony of madhuram-vaykkal, the maternal uncle of the bride takes her around the house with a koluvilakku, a type of lantern, in his hand. This symbolizes leaving her parental house for Marthoma groom’s home.

This is an overall gist of what happens in Marthoma matrimony. The couples start their journey of life with blessings from everyone.