When it comes to Indian weddings, traditions and rituals play a major role. The whole ceremony is guided by regulations that were written thousands of years ago. Culture is all about bringing the community together. It assigns important roles to everybody so that each member of the community is valued and respected. Wedding rituals are of utmost importance as they originated since time immemorial and are continued even today in order to pay tribute to our ancestors. In this blog, I will be throwing some light on the importance of the garland ceremony and its origin.

Emergence

In many cultures across the world flowers are considered sacred. They are the epitome of purity and harmony. In ancient Egypt, garlands made of flowers were placed on the mummies in order to symbolize the celebration of afterlife. Even the Greeks and Romans used flowers to decorate their homes but the usage of garland at holy rituals is more conspicuous in Asian culture than anywhere else in the world.

 

In Indian culture, particularly in the Hindu society flowers are used from the day one takes birth till the day one departs. Garlands are used for the adoration of Gods, men and women. The ritual of svayamvara is enough evidence to prove that the tradition of varmala originated with the ritual as it is a type of marriage where a princess used to select her husband from deserving suitors by placing a flower garland around his neck.  Sita’s svayamvara in Ramayan would be the perfect reference of the ritual from Vedic epics of Indian literature.

Flower Selection

Each flower depicts different essence and meaning, hence choose wisely. Commonly used flowers include jasmine, red roses, marigold and lilies. However, particular flowers are linked to particular deities – such as red hibiscus is used for goddess Kali, a garland of dhatoor for Lord Shiva and durva (grass) for Ganesha.

 

A good start!

Needless to say, garlands are not only used for jai maal but they are also used for commencing any auspicious occasion such as a new house or a car. In many weddings even guests are welcomed with a beautiful garland as guests are considered equal to God.

 Indian culture surely wins hearts as it encourages us as a community to look for a deeper meaning even in the smallest of things. We value beauty and whatever it represents such as flowers that mark our existence and also our demise