When culture comes to you

My new favourite (a pink sari)

It was my great pleasure to attend the wedding ceremony of two friends who were united in marriage on Sunday, August 4 at 10:30 pm slt.

I am always happy to attend a wedding because they really are beautiful and so special when two people decide to commit their Second Lives to one another.

This one, however, was very unusual for me. It was the first wedding I have attended in the East Indian tradition. It was very beautiful.
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The Bride and Groom arrive

Wedding Party assemble

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The bride rode an elephant to the wedding party and then was escorted by her groom and surrounded by four bridesmaids into the wedding pergola.

Some of the most special traditions were how the bride and groom's union is witnessed for the gods by an official and how their elders (in this case, grandparents) have a special role to bless the wedding and welcome their new family member.

Bride and Groom

Couple seated with Officiant and Elders

The bride and groom, their elders and the official sat around a warm fire. The wedding party stood behind the bride and groom. Perhaps the most special of all was how the wedding couple walked seven times around a central flame to bless seven separate wishes that the couple hope for in their marriage. [I wish I had had the presence of mind to keep those from local chat.]

Seven Circles of Blessing

The Wedding Officiant

When all was done, the guests (who were sitting on chairs outside of the four sides of the pergola) stood and cheered with congratulations. We were then escorted to witness the bride and groom have a moment of prayer together as their first married act. And when that was done we all went into the reception area and they enjoyed their cake and had a first dance. It was a very joyful time. One I will not forget.

The reason this has made it to the pages of my blog is because this is part of the reason I love Second Life. I know the pixels can't do it justice, but this little glimpse into the traditions of another culture's celebration of love is worth logging in for!

Blessings to you both.