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moral instructions of a general nature are also included in these songs.
Biblical songs recount stories from the Bible, giving them a local colour.
For example, the song at the smearing of the palms and feet of the bride
alludes to the purity that is required of the bride who enters the sacred
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marital stage.
3.6.1.2 Asking Permission from the Assembly

Another very important characteristic is that the person who has the
main role in the ceremony has to ask three times to obtain permission from
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the assembly gathered, before they can start the ceremony. The person
asks formal permission from the assembly reminding them of their
superiority (a privilege granted by King Cheraman Perumal). He has to ask
three times. The first two instances are ignored by the assembly, and at the
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third, he is given permission verbally: “Yes, we heard”.
3.6.1.3 Special Role for Women and Elders

It is interesting to note that all these customs are keen to assign
special roles to women and elders of the family. Women are given eminent
roles on these occasions, which manifests that women are honoured in
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Knānāya families. The role of close relatives in the ceremonies refers to
the strong support expected of them in the celebration of marriage. It is
evident that for the Knānāya community family signifies a communion of
persons, where each and every member of the family has special duties and
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responsibilities to protect and safeguard the unity of marriage and family.

10
Cf. JUSSAY, P. M., “The wedding Songs of the Cochin Jews and of the Knānite
Christians of Kerala: A Study in Comparison”, in J. VELLIAN (ed.), Symposium on
Knānites, The Syrian Church Series, Vol. XII, Kottayam, 1986, pp. 82-83.
11 Cf. VELLIAN, J., Knānite Community History and Culture, Syrian Church Series Vol.
XVII, Jyothi Book House, Kottayam, 2001, p. 22.
12 Cf. VELLIAN, J., “Marriage Customs of the Kinanites”, in J. VELLIAN (ed.), Crown,
Veil, Cross, Syrian Church Series Vol. XV, Kottayam, 1990, pp. 33-34.
13 Cf. Ibid., p. 33.
14
Cf. VELLIAN, J., Knānite Community History and Culture, Syrian Church Series Vol.
XVII, Jyothi Book House, Kottayam, 2001, p. 22.
15
Cf. PULLAPPALLY, JOHN P. M., “Socio-religious Customs of Knānites (Malayalam)”,
in J. VELLIAN (ed.), Symposium on Knānites, The Syrian Church Series, Vol. XII,
Kottayam, 1986, pp. 105-106.

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