RELIGIOUS RITUALS in PART 3 - CONSUMMATING THE MARRIAGE: EXAMPLES
(BUDDHIST HANDFASTING RITUAL)
1. [Celebrant invites parents up to tie a Mala, the Buddhist Rosary around the wrists of the couple]
Nothing happens without a cause. The union of this man and woman has not come about accidentally. This tie therefore, cannot be broken or dissolved. To say these words is easy. But difficult times will come as surely as the night. When things go joyously, be compassionate. And, when things go badly, be compassionate. May your hands have the strength to hold on during the storms of stress and the dark of disillusionment. May you see them as healer, protector, shelter, and guide. May they remain tender and gentle as they nurture each other in their wondrous love. And may your hands continue building a relationship founded in love, rich in caring, and devoted to reaching your dreams.
[Parents untie wrists of Bride and Groom]
(HINDU HANDFASTING RITUAL)
2. [Celebrant takes a simple string and drapes it over Bride and Groom's hands]
God whom all scripture praises has ruled that ________________ and ________________ become husband and wife. May the Divine Spirit bear witness to this. Now, by holding hand in hand, may they live together in happiness, keep one another company, and grow old together with love, compassion, and peace.
[Celebrant removes string]
(MUSLIM GOLD COIN RITUAL)
3. In Muslim marriages, gold coins are an important part of the wedding day in several different ways. To symbolize the importance of these coins, ________________ and ________________ will now celebrate what we call the Gold Coin Ritual.
[The Page (a child) brings a coin (wrapped in silk) to the Groom and places it in his hands.]
This gold coin, wrapped in silk, is a symbol of the care that ________________ and ________________ will give in order for their home to have everything it needs. It is also a sign of the blessings of God and all the good things they will share together.
God, may this coin be a symbol of mutual help throughout their lives. Provide them with all they need for their home. We give you thanks for all the good things they are going to share because of your many blessings. Amen.
[Groom ties the coin to the Bride's right wrist]
Groom says: ________________, receive this coin, as a symbol of my dedication in caring for our home and providing for our family's necessities.
Bride says: ________________, I accept your gift of dedication, and I promise on my part that everything provided will be used with care for the benefit of our home and family.
RELIGIOUS RITUALS in PART 4 - THE CLOSING OF THE CEREMONY: EXAMPLES
(JEWISH SEVEN BLESSINGS COMBINED WITH WINE SHARING)
4. We will conclude this ceremony with the Seven Blessings and the ceremonial wine. In Judaism, wine is a symbol of the joy and richness of life, and of the sweetness of love. It is also customary in Jewish tradition that the Bride & Groom are bestowed with seven blessings. These blessings represent ________________'s and ________________'s hopes for the future...
________________ & ________________,
May your marriage enrich your lives.
May you work together to build a relationship of substance and quality.
May the honesty of your communication build a foundation of understanding, connection, and trust.
May you respect each other's individual personality and philosophy, and give each other room to grow and fulfill each other's dreams.
May your sense of humor and playful spirit enliven your relationship.
May you understand that neither of you is perfect - you are both subject to human frailties, and allow your love to strengthen you when you fall short of each other's expectations.
And may you be best friends, better together than either of you are apart...
[Groom & Bride Pour Wine from two Decanters into a Center Cup]
As you share wine together from this cup, so may you share joy and fulfillment from the cup of life for the rest of your lives.
[First Groom, then Bride Drink Wine from the Center Decanter]
RELIGIOUS RITUALS: FROM AROUND THE WEB
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