Announcement:
A crucial element in Catholic weddings. On three Sundays before the wedding, the priest announces the proposed matrimonial union of the boy and girl. The purpose of this public announcement is to coerce those who have undisclosed information about either side (that could gravely affect the marriage) to come forward and reveal it before it's too late. If no such information is produced, the couple is free to marry after this three week period.
Attending a preparatory course :
It is mandatory for the prospective bride and groom to attend a Marriage Preparatory Course. They can choose between a one-day and a three-day course. They must also fill in a form declaring details of their lives and take an oath on the Holy Bible that they have not withheld any information and that they are aware of the duties within a Christian marriage. They must produce their baptism certificates. In the case of a mixed marriage, only the Christian partner is required to produce the baptism certificate.
Mehndi Party/Ceremony:
In many parts of India, henna is part and parcel of a woman's life especially during festivals and weddings. The role of henna goes much beyond cosmetic and aesthetic value. Henna has a deeper meaning to the women of India.
The night before a wedding is known as the 'Night of Henna (Mehendi) when the bride's hands and feet are decorated in elaborate floral and fertility designs.
On the henna night, relatives and friends (married as well as unmarried) of the bride gather at the bride's house. While henna is being applied the bride is enlightened about the mysteries of married life. Many a folks songs are woven around henna nights signifying the departure of the bride to her husband's house and thus beginning an important stage of a woman's life.
There are many stories about the longevity of henna on the bride's hand. It is said that if the henna lasts longer on the bride's hands it indicates that the bride is treated well at her in-laws' place, sparing her from the household chores, at least on the first few days of her married life. The bride's mother feels a sense of relief when the daughter visits her few days after the wedding and still able to see the henna design on her daughter's palm.
In some regions of India henna paste is also used to stain the bridegroom's palms. Because the deep red color left on the skin when the dried past is washed off is the color that symbolises the deep love between the husband and wife.
Girls and women of all ages use henna. It especially signifies married women. Widows generally do not apply henna on their hands.
The night before a wedding is known as the 'Night of Henna (Mehendi) when the bride's hands and feet are decorated in elaborate floral and fertility designs.
On the henna night, relatives and friends (married as well as unmarried) of the bride gather at the bride's house. While henna is being applied the bride is enlightened about the mysteries of married life. Many a folks songs are woven around henna nights signifying the departure of the bride to her husband's house and thus beginning an important stage of a woman's life.
There are many stories about the longevity of henna on the bride's hand. It is said that if the henna lasts longer on the bride's hands it indicates that the bride is treated well at her in-laws' place, sparing her from the household chores, at least on the first few days of her married life. The bride's mother feels a sense of relief when the daughter visits her few days after the wedding and still able to see the henna design on her daughter's palm.
In some regions of India henna paste is also used to stain the bridegroom's palms. Because the deep red color left on the skin when the dried past is washed off is the color that symbolises the deep love between the husband and wife.
Girls and women of all ages use henna. It especially signifies married women. Widows generally do not apply henna on their hands.