Page 46 - thesis_biby_tharayil

36

Knānites made use of most of their privileges once granted to them by the
king (see 1.3.2.1). Today, reminiscent of those times, they use various
musical instruments (Panchvādyam) and special silken umbrellas
63
(Thazhakkuda). Another exclusive practice of the Knānites is the use of
64
65 66
various types of cheering (Kurava and Nadavili ). Among the St.
Thomas Christians, during the marriage procession, the bridal pair wore
gold crowns. This practice was discontinued recently.
3.7.8.1 Theological Significance

The crowning of the spouses is an integral part of the marriage
ceremony in the oriental tradition. This crowning points to the kingly
67
mission of Christ. The wearing of crowns and bridal robes and the above-
mentioned royal procession indicate that they (the spouses) are to live as
true images of God who reigns over all creatures and is the Lord of the
house. The image of God in man is explained in the teaching of the Second
Vatican Council in terms of responsibility over all creation, which consists
in “knowing and loving the Creator” and “being master of all creatures and
68
using them for the glory of God”. The exercise of Christ’s kingship, which
finds its expression in selfless service, is very essential to family life. The
husband and wife are called to serve as a royal couple to each other, in the
family, in and through their bodies. Their kingship in Jesus is exercised
properly in providing the necessities of life for each other and for their
69
children. So the cheering and other customs in a wedding announces the
coming of the new couple, and expresses as well their royal identity in

63 Special silken umbrella for the procession is carried in front by the maternal uncle.

64
Making of a whistling sound by women, similar to the Mesopotamian women repeating
hallel – hallel in a high musical note, as a cheering on the occasion of marriage
65
This means making a cheering sound by men, under the leadership of respective uncles.
According to ancient songs, the bride and groom were carried in the arms of their
respective uncles while cheering Nada... Nada.
66 Cf. VELLIAN, J., Knānite Community History and Culture, Syrian Church Series Vol.
XVII, Jyothi Book House, Kottayam, 2001, pp. 19-20.
67 King is one of the three-fold Biblical missions of Christ: priest, king, prophet.
68
Cf. SACROSANCTUM CONCILIUM OECUMENICUM VATICANUM II, Constitutio
Pastoralis: De Ecclesia in Mundo Hujus Temporis, Gaudium et Spes, no. 12, 7 December,
1965, in AAS 58, 1966, pp. 1025-1120.
69 Cf. KOIKARA, M., The Sacredness of Marriage and Family in the Cultural Milieu of St.
Thomas Christians, Academia Alfonsiana, Rome, 1988, p. 52.

www.knanayology.org