The Significance Of Garlanding In An Indian Wedding

In the same way that a ring is a tradition in a Western marriage representing commitment and eternity, wedding garlands are used in different ways to signify different cultural traditions and values. Small rituals such as the exchanging of garlands make the marriage ceremony more meaningful within the South Asian ceremony. We explore the meaning behind this custom.

In English terms we look at a garland as table scape dressing but in the South Asian culture the Garland signifies much more.

The Hindu Ceremony

Within the Hindu Ceremony on arrival of the bride, she and the groom exchange garlands woven with flowers. But why is it that this ritual takes place? Within Hinduism there are a lot myths and legends which explains this and many more interpretations. As a practising Hindu this is my interpretation of what I have learnt through scriptures and also through my own ceremony many a moon ago.

In Hindi/Gujarati the wedding garland is called the “Jaimala” or “Varmala” .

The literal translation of the word”Jaimala” or “Varmala” is the garland for the groom. In ancient times it was a way of demonstrating acceptance between the bride and groom.

When looking through religious scriptures one can turn to many a story but simplest is the story of Rama and Sita in the Ramayana. Sita has a special selection process to select her husband. In completing the challenge set Prince Ram breaks a holy bow and is garlanded with flowers to show the Sita accepted him as her husband.

In more recent times not only are garlands made of flowers but are designed with adornments to coordinate with the bride groom outfits too.

The meaning in more modern day is not just of acceptance but symbolises their love and respect for one another.

Depending on the intricacies of the design a pair of wedding garlands can be extremely heavy to wear as well as costly. However, at Niche Weddings we specialise in designing not only fresh garlands using Indian flowers but a variety fresh garlands using English flowers too so we can manage the weight of these beauties. We also offer the custom clip hook so that the Garland can sit comfortably under the veil of the bride rather than over too.

Garlands are also used to adorn religious idols used in the ceremony as well as those loved ones who have parted us. Designs are made to the size of the frame.

The Sikh Ceremony

More commonly the ceremony takes place in the Gurdwara but with intimate ceremonies taking place in non conventional venues at the heart of the ceremony known as the Anand Karaj where the vows are taken.

The welcoming ceremony or Milni welcoming of the families involves garlanding members to welcome them to the family.

The groom will wait to have his bride join him for the wedding vows. The bride will make her entrance with a shawl and garland to pay respect to the holy scriptures the Guru Granth Sahib.

Once the couple have take long their vows, the parents will garland a gift the couple with blessings.

Faux garlands were ever popular when fresh flowers were in limited supply but there is nothing to say that you cannot have faux garlands. With more contemporary trends and the quality of florals being used making pieces look like the real deal it is definitely an option to consider.  Read our blog Why I should consider faux garlands