Australia Matrimony

About Australia Matrimony

Australia is a land of one of the world's most unique landscapes. This country is full of alluring natural wonders and incredible flora and fauna. People from various civilizations have settled in Australia. Due to this, the society of Australia reflects a blend of various different cultures. The marriages are also an example of one such blend.

One of the most important facts which differentiate Australian matrimony from other parts of the world is the presence of Marriage Celebrants. Marriages in Australia can be legalized only if it takes place in a church or is performed through a registered marriage celebrant. Before peeping inside the rituals of Australian matrimony let's take a look at the structure of Australian society. In Australia, roughly 52% are Christians, 2.6% are Muslim, 1.9% are Hindu and 2.9 are Buddhist. Although Hinduism accounts for only 1.9% of the population, it is the fastest growing religion in Australia.

All the religions have their own organization of civil celebrants to perform the marriage rituals as per their traditions. It's an important point that after your wedding and within 14 days, your marriage celebrant should register the marriage with the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages in the State or Territory where your marriage took place.

Let's take a look at and cherish the soulful rituals of weddings in the different communities of Australia.

Church Weddings Rituals In Australia

Marriage ceremonies according to Rites of Churches of Christ in Australia are to include the following:

* A statement of the Christian nature and purpose of marriage and the intent of the marriage ceremony is announced before the gathering.

* An acknowledgement speech is given by the priest which includes statements like 'this is a Christian celebration of marriage being conducted by God and those people who have gathered'.

* Declarations or Statements of Intent of occasion and Prayers

After the declaration of marriage intent prayers is offered to seek blessings of the almighty for the couple.

Exchange of vows - Personal Vows are exchanged which includes promises of commitment for life in which couple takes each other to be their wife or husband.

Exchange of rings and Pronouncement of marriage - Rings are exchanged between the couple and the couple is announced as lawfully, weded husband and wife.

Blessings or Affirmations from the parent - Couple seeks blessings from the gods and the elders for their prosperous life.

Hindu Marriage Rituals In Australia

The Mandap - It is the main area where the wedding is to be conducted. It consists of a 4-pole canopy and centre-stage.

Arrival of the wedding parties - The groom party arrives at wedding venue and warmly welcomed by the Bride's party.

Ganesh Puja - Prayers are offered to Lord Ganesh for obstacle-free completion of the wedding ceremony.

Grah Shanti - The nine-planets are worshipped for bringing prosperity and happiness in couple's life.

Parchan - The bride's mother welcomes the groom with a garland and a traditional arti and escorts him to the mandap.

Arrival of the Bride - The bride is escorted to the mandap by her maternal uncle, female cousins & friends.

Kanyadaan - It involves entrusting of the Daughter - parental consent for the wedding to proceed. It is followed by exchanging of garlands. Groom takes bride's hands & they take vows to love, cherish & protect each other.

Ganthibandhan - A nuptial knot is tied between the garments of the couple.

Agni Puja - Priest sets up the "kund" and evokes the holy fire.

Laja Homa - Couple offers puffed rice in the sacred fire.

Mangalfera - Walking around the sacred fire seven times reciting the seven wedding vows.

Saptapadi - The seven steps symbolizing seven promises of married life.

Aashirvaad - The priest blesses the couple. Flower petals & rice are showered on the couple by the guests this is followed by seeking blessings from the elders of the family.

Viddai - Bride's family & friends bid a goodbye to the bride.

Marriage Rituals Of Muslims In Australia

Marriage Proposal - Traditionally, the groom's parents and elders come to the bride-to-be's house and ask for the marriage proposal. There may be a recitation of the Quran's first chapter, Surah Fatiha, and refreshments served.

Engagement - This can be a simple informal event just between the families and close friends. It includes the exchange of rings and gifts between the respective families, with the ring being placed by the groom's mother or sister on the bride-to-be. There may be a short prayer to bless the upcoming marriage.

Mehndi or Henna - It includes the application of artistic henna designs on the hands and feet of the bride. This ceremony is completed amidst of traditional wedding songs and dance by ladies of both the families.

Barat - This refers to the groom's procession, which accompanies the groom to the wedding venue.

Nikah - This is the actual wedding ceremony, usually officiated by an imam. He recites prayers from the Quran and asks the bride if she agrees to marry the groom with the pre-decided Meher. The question is asked thrice and if she agrees, the same is repeated with the groom. This ritual is known as Ijab-e-Qubul (proposal and acceptance). This is followed by the signing of the Nikahnama (marriage contract) by the couple. All the elders now bless the newly married couple.

Registration - It includes the filling of marriage registration form by the couple the copy of Nikahnama duly signed by the couple and witnesses is also attached long with this.this is to legalise the marriage according to the Australian marriage law.

Reception and Valima (Walima) - It's a reception party given in the honour of newlywed.

Rukhsti (Farewell) - Rukhsti is the farewell to the bride leaves when leaves her home to start her new journey of married life.