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39
78
24, 67). In Manarkōlam two special seats, placed side by side, covered
first with wool and then with white linen (Karimpadavum Vellayum), are
prepared for the spouses. Covering the seats with wool and white linen is
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called spreading of Pavada.

3.7.9.2.1 Theological Significance

The rough wool is to remind the couple of the hardships and
temptations of a worldly life and the white linen sheet reminds them of the
purity, amenities and blessings of the married life. It also stands for the
celestial reward of those who survive the temptations and hardships
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properly, as well as signifying the privilege of royalty. It also indirectly
represents the old tradition of using the rough woollen dress before the
celebration of baptism and the white linen dress after the celebration of
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baptism.
3.7.9.3 The Most Solemn Blessing by the Mother of the Bride

Another important characteristic of the Knānite marriage is the most
solemn blessing by the mother of the bride. This ceremony is called
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vazhupidutham. The mother of the bride comes to the front, and asks three
times the formal permission from the assembly (See 3.6.1.2) to give
benediction to the newly wedded couple. The first two times the assembly
replies singing “we did not hear”. The third time they give permission
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saying “yes, we heard”. Then the ceremony is performed as follows:

78 Cf. Ibid., p. 108.

79
Cf. VELLIAN, J., “Marriage Customs of the Kinanites”, in J. VELLIAN (ed.), Crown,
Veil, Cross, Syrian Church Series Vol. XV, Kottayam, 1990, p. 37.
80
Cf. Ibid., p. 37. See also L. EDAKALATHUR, The Theology of Marriage in the East
Syrian Tradition, Pontificium Institutum Orientale, Roma, 1994, p. 160. And J. VELLIAN,
Knanite Community History and Culture, Syrian Church Series Vol. XVII, Jyothi Book
House, Kottayam, 2001, p. 20.
81
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, p. 108.
82 Cf. VELLIAN, J., Knānite Community History and Culture, Syrian Church Series Vol.
XVII, Jyothi Book House, Kottayam, 2001, p. 20.
83 Cf. VELLIAN, J., “Marriage Customs of the Kinanites”, in J. VELLIAN (ed.), Crown,
Veil, Cross, Syrian Church Series Vol. XV, Kottayam, 1990, p. 37. See also JOHN P. M.
PULLAPPALLY, “Socio-religious Customs of Knānites” (Malayalam), in J. VELLIAN
(ed.), Symposium on Knānites, The Syrian Church Series, Vol. XII, Kottayam, 1986, p.

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