The very first thought that comes to our mind when we hear of Goan Christian weddings is the bride dressed in a white gown and the groom in a black suit or tuxedo. Goan Christian weddings are unique and have come down the generations as an influence by the Portuguese.
Well, the type of wedding may be an arranged one or a love marriage. In the olden days, a person called ‘Mali’ or ‘Raibari’ used to arrange the marriage by taking a proposal to the boy’s house. After this arrangement takes place, the families of the two meet to prepare all the arrangements.
The first thing the couple needs to do is to attend Catechism classes in their respective parishes. This is followed by a marriage course that needs to be attended by the couple together for two consecutive days. After this is complete the marriage banns are read out in the churches of both the parishes.
After the first bann is read, on the very same day the bride is supposed to wear the ‘Chuddo’ in her maternal uncle’s house who is supposed to invite her for lunch. This Chuddo ceremony takes place by calling the bangle maker to the house who helps the bride choose the right bangles to be worn. The colours of the bangles are usually green with golden lines.
The next ceremony is the Ross which is held a day before the wedding. The bride and groom are bathed in coconut milk at their respective houses. The entire family gets together and it is a moment of fun and mischief wherein eggs are often broken on the couple. A sweet dish made of rice, coconut and jaggery known as ‘atoll’ is served to the guests at the end of the Ross ceremony.
Yet another tradition is the ‘BicareanchemJevonn’ which is held in honour of the departed souls of the house. ‘Voddes’ made of rice and urad dal is also served. A sweet made of wheat and sugar cooked in coconut juice called ‘soji’ and another made of gram dal, coconut juice and jaggery known as ‘Vonn’ is served.
On the wedding day, a close relative of the groom comes to assist the bride in dressing up. The bride and groom are blessed by all family and relatives in their respective homes. The wedding car then arrives at the bride’s place after dropping the groom to the church.
At the nuptials, the couple exchange vows and place rings on the fingers of each other. The priest then announces them married. The newlywed couple then goes to the groom’s house where prayers are said.
Everyone then proceeds to the wedding hall for a reception. Guests are served food, snacks and drinks. A toastmaster raises the toast for the couple. The traditional wedding march takes place where the bridal couple is followed by guests to marching beats of the band around the dance floor. The couple dances their first dance together as husband and wife.
Close family members are invited by the couple to the bride’s house the next day which is called ‘apovnemn’ in Konkani.
All wedding rituals come to an end with the apovnemn.
When it comes to wedding traditions, Goa is a place filled with great pomp and joy fulfilling these beautiful wedding traditions. People from across the globe are seen celebrating their big day at this beautiful paradise called Goa. Are you looking to plan your wedding in Goa? We can help you get in touch with the best wedding planners in Goa.
