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3.6.1 GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF FAMILY CUSTOMS…………130
3.6.1.1 Special Hymns or Songs………………………………………………...131
3.6.1.2 Asking Permission from the Assembly………………………………….132
3.6.1.3 Special Role for Women and Elders…………………………………….132

3.7 MARRIAGE CUSTOMS IN THE SOUTHIST FAMILIES…..……133
3.7.1 JEWISH INFLUENCES AND SIMILARITIES ……………………….134
3.7.2 BETROTHAL…………………………………………………………..134
3.7.2.1 Pre-Marital Chastity…………………………………………………….135
3.7.2.2 Initiation of Communion between Two Families………………………135
3.7.3 INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL PURIFICATION BEFORE MARRIAGE
…………………………………………………………………………..137
3.7.3.1 Beautifying the Bridegroom…………………………………………….138
3.7.3.1.1 Theological Significance………………………………………..140

3.7.3.2 Feeding with Special Pudding (Ichappad)………………………………141
3.7.3.3 Smearing the Bride with Henna (Mylanchi ideel)………………………141
3.7.3.3.1 Theological Significance………………………………………..142

3.7.4 BLESSINGS FROM THE ELDERS ON THE DAY OF MARRIAGE..145
3.7.5 THE TYING OF THE WEDDING THĀLI…………………………….146
3.7.5.1 Theological Significance………………………………………………..147
3.7.6 SINGING THE SYRIAC HYMN BARMARYAM (THE SON OF
MARY)…………………………………………………………………………..147
3.7.7 GREETING THE PARISH PRIEST AND OTHERS…………………..148
3.7.7.1 Theological Significance………………………………..………………148
3.7.8 PROCESSION RETURNING HOME………………….………………149
3.7.8.1 Theological Significance………………………………..……………….150
3.7.9 CEREMONIES AT HOME……………………………….…………….151
3.7.9.1 Solemn Reception by the Mother of the Bridegroom…….……………..151

3.7.9.1.1 Theological Significance……………………………………….152
3.7.9.2 Seating the Couple on an Elevated Seat (Manrkōlam)………………….153
3.7.9.2.1 Theological Significance………………………………………..153

3.7.9.3 The Most Solemn Blessing by the Mother of the Bride………………...154
3.7.9.3.1 The Song of Blessing (Vazhu Pattu)……………………………155
3.7.9.3.2 Theological Significance………………………………………..156

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