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VI

3.7.1 JEWISH INFLUENCES AND SIMILARITIES ....................................... 24
3.7.2 BETROTHAL ............................................................................................ 25
3.7.2.1 Pre-Marital Chastity .......................................................................... 25
3.7.2.2 Initiation of Communion between Two Families .............................. 25
3.7.3 INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL PURIFICATION BEFORE MARRIAGE . 27
3.7.3.1 Beautifying the Bridegroom .............................................................. 28
3.7.3.1.1 Theological Significance ............................................................... 29
3.7.3.2 Feeding with Special Pudding (Ichappad) ........................................ 30
3.7.3.3 Smearing the Bride with Henna (Mylanchi ideel) ............................. 30
3.7.3.3.1 Theological Significance ............................................................... 31
3.7.4 BLESSINGS FROM THE ELDERS ON THE DAY OF MARRIAGE ........ 32
3.7.5 THE TYING OF THE WEDDING THĀLI ............................................... 34
3.7.5.1 Theological Significance ................................................................... 34
3.7.6 SINGING THE SYRIAC HYMN BARMARYAM (THE SON OF MARY) .. 34
3.7.7 GREETING THE PARISH PRIEST AND OTHERS ............................... 35
3.7.7.1 Theological Significance ................................................................... 35
3.7.8 PROCESSION RETURNING HOME ...................................................... 35
3.7.8.1 Theological Significance ................................................................... 36
3.7.9 CEREMONIES AT HOME ....................................................................... 37
3.7.9.1 Solemn Reception by the Mother of the Bridegroom ....................... 37
3.7.9.1.1 Theological Significance ............................................................... 37
3.7.9.2 Seating the Couple on an Elevated Seat (Manrkōlam) ...................... 38
3.7.9.2.1 Theological Significance ............................................................... 39
3.7.9.3 The Most Solemn Blessing by the Mother of the Bride .................... 39
3.7.9.3.1 The Song of Blessing (Vazhu Pattu) ............................................. 40
3.7.9.3.2 Theological Significance ............................................................... 41
3.7.9.4 The Elders Bless the Couple and Receive Hand-outs ....................... 41
3.7.9.4.1 Theological Significance ............................................................... 42
3.7.9.5 Feeding from the One Cup ................................................................ 43
3.7.9.5.1 Theological Significance ............................................................... 43
3.7.9.6 Knocking at the Bridal Chamber ....................................................... 44
3.7.9.6.1 Theological Significance ............................................................... 44
3.8 OTHER FAMILY CUSTOMS ...................................................................... 45
3.8.1 BLESSING AT THE DEATH BED .......................................................... 46
3.8.2 CEREMONIES AFTER THE DEATH OF A FAMILY MEMBER ......... 46
3.8.3 SENDING OFF THE PREGNANT WIFE ................................................ 47
3.8.4 SPECIAL BREAD ON MAUNDY THURSDAY .................................... 47
CONCLUSION ..................................................................................................... 48

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