Syro-Malabar Matrimony engages the holy communion of two souls in the traditional way of this denomination of Christianity. Syro-Malabar grooms and Syro-Malabar brides dress accordingly & enjoy the festivities their marriage brings forth. With cultural traditions dating back to the 16th and 17th century, when Portuguese invaded Kerala, Syro-Malabar Matrimony has customs that resemble them, when it comes to a wedding in the church.
During the 1st century, St. Thomas, an Apostle who educates the masses about teachings of Jesus Christ, the Messiah or Jesus of Nazareth, came to Kerala & converted many Hindus, especially Brahmins into the religion of Christianity. 8th century rolled along & Church of East became the main worshipping house for these Christians.
After a short while, Church of East began its decline, and the worshippers became two groups; one which allied with Portuguese who were trying very hard to bring everyone under one roof like before & the other which needed a separate path of praying to Jesus Christ. The one group that stood by Portuguese people started following a Holy Communion as same as that of Holy See in Rome. This group, which was a majority among the Christians who drifted apart, formed the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church. A marriage ceremony or wedding conducted by this group of Christians is referred to as Syro-Malabar Matrimony.
Kalyana-nischayam or Kalyana-Urappikkal which means fixing the marriage alliance is an event wherein families of Syro-Malabar grooms and Syro-Malabar Brides get together to announce their engagement and date on which the holy institution of Syro-Malabar Matrimony will take place. On a chronological order, this is followed by manasammatham or betrothal ceremony which involves Syro-Malabar grooms and Syro-Malabar Brides. This is done by the families of Syro-Malabar Brides. Before the betrothal ceremony, Syro-Malabar Grooms and Syro-Malabar Brides attend a pre-marriage counseling session for 2 to 3 days. During this session, objections if any are notified to the priest who has the responsibility to conduct the marriage between Syro-Malabar Brides and Syro-Malabar Girls. If there is no objection whatsoever, which is the normal case, the marriage ceremony goes through as it is planned.
Syro-Malabar Matrimony follows a custom wherein on the wedding eve, there is a major event known as madhuram-vaykkal. During this ceremony, both Syro-Malabar Grooms and Syro-Malabar 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 Syro-Malabar bride takes her around the house with a koluvilakku, a type of lantern, in his hand. This symbolizes a Syro-Malabar bride leaving her parental house for Syro-Malabar groom’s home.
As per the custom, a Syro-Malabar groom’s family conducts the marriage with the help of the priest, & seeks the blessings from Jesus Christ through the pastor. After the Syro-Malabar matrimony ceremony, both Syro-Malabar grooms and Syro-Malabar brides seek blessings from their parents and elders for a fruitful & happy married life.