As some of you may or may not know, there are well over 4,200 religions around the world, the number of unique customs can be presumed to be less. Many faiths borrow bits and pieces from each other that constitute any specific ceremony or custom. Granted, some actually can claim their uniqueness, and rightfully so. To shed a little light on how different the customs can actually be, several will be highlighted for your consideration.
In general terms, kind of religion help to minimize the scope of such a vast number of faiths. Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Primal Indigenous, and Chinese traditional are among the largest groups of religions. Within each exists thousands of facets of marriage customs, or ceremonies. So, without further delay, let's take a look at this widely celebrated time in couple's lives.
Beginning with a Catholic wedding, one can expect a certain level of seriousness and formality. Catholicism approaches the unifying of a man and a woman with strong spiritual tones and symbolism. While small changes may be accepted, the process is apparently are. Introductory Rites, or the opening prayer, will be followed by phase of Liturgy of the Word. Simply put, some scriptures are approved and then read prior to a sermon by the priest. It is now the moment of truth for the anxious pair. The final opportunity to change their minds is now at hand. If there is no exchange of commitment with either the bride or groom, then rings are exchanged and new lives begin with the famous words "I do!"
Transitioning into an option part of the wedding and what is ultimately a unique separation of conclusions. If no mass is held at the end of the wedding, then a "nuptial blessing" is given by the priest and the congregation is dismissed. If mass is included, a sign of piece, or the shaking hands of each person to their neighbor occurs followed by communion. Finally, the priest offers a nuptial blessing and closing prayer followed by year Martinez, gold flowers being placed on the shrine of Blessed Virgin Mary.
This next type of ceremony is one that is not widely known or understood. The Eastern Orthodox wedding is considered one of ordination and martyrdom simultaneously. It begins with a betrothal ceremony whereby rings are blessed. By making a cross symbol while holding the rings in his hands, the priest then presses them to the foreheads of the bride and groom. The priest, however the koumbaros, will exchange rings between the pairs fingers three times, symbolic of weakness from one can be supported by the other. In most Christian or Catholic services, the rings are usually placed on the third finger of the left hand. Conversely, the happy couple will be placed on the third finger of the right hand. The reason is embedded in the history of the church.
Hand-holding has its place as well. Again, the right hand is used to signify a purpose of one, togetherness per to. While being blessed by the priest, the couple holds their right hands together, and in their left hands are lit candles indicating they are ready to receive blessings from God.
The most important phase is called the Crowning. Couples will experience the rite of passage which sets them apart from their single lives into a future where this bond served unity, being one from this point forward. By receiving a crown adorned with anything from precious stones and ribbons of crimson to flower blossoms, the importance of three is again represented by the kumbaros trading the crowns three times before the priest finally places the crowns on the bride and groom's heads. Subsequently, the pair takes three sips of wine to symbolize when Jesus changed water to wine at the Cana of Galilee wedding. The significance of the cup embodies a shared opportunity to experience joy, happiness, sadness and sorrow.
An interesting dance will move the couple to the end of this ceremony. While dancing around the table three times where a cross and Bible are placed, the congregation sings three songs. Dancing stands for the dance around the Ark of the covenant. The bride and groom will now walk as a married couple through the congregation as the priest places a blessing upon them individually and finally stating "May you!" live In comparison to other more traditional ceremonies, the Eastern Orthodox uses several symbolic aspects to remind couples of their commitment and the rich history that continues from generation to generation.
To conclude, the last ceremony comes from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. You may better recognize it as the Mormon Church. A member of this organization can get married either in one of the thousands of church buildings that dot neighbors around the world, or they can strive for a level of worthiness that allows them to be sealed for time and all eternity in one of over one hundred temples that exist in dozens of countries. The distinction here is all about worthiness.
The most sacred of ceremonies obviously occurs within the temples. In order for a couple to experience this opportunity, they must both prepare themselves spiritually to covenant with God in a very sacred ceremony. After being found worthy by their Bishop or Branch President, a member of the Stake Presidency will conduct the final interview to receive a Temple Recommend. This small but vital piece of paper is what will be presented at the temple of their choice. Once inside, they will dress in all white and expects three separate sessions to receive their endowments. They will then dress in their draws for being sealed together for eternity. This has a rich and special meaning to the newlyweds. It is not merely a one time event of covenants, rather, it starts making a promise to live worthily for their mortal lives, keeping commandments and covenants made in the temple.
This whole process is much out of the norm of traditional weddings and the concept of ".. .until death do you part", there is no separation from each other after death. Spiritually, they have the opportunity to share each other's lives beyond this mortal existence, hence the saying "families are forever." Typically, after the formal ceremony in the temple, a reception is usually planned at a home, or their local church building in the Cultural Hall - activities area. There can anyone expected and help the couple celebrate their new and exciting beginning. Some question the secret nature of the temple ceremony. Actually, it is not secret. It is highly sacred. believed to be the most important aspect of returning to live with God. This level of sacred belief constitutes the protection of the sanctity and dignity of its purpose and symbolism.
So, there you have it, three very distinct and interesting wedding ceremonies that have purpose, belief systems, and sacred ordinances. Even with the variance in how these weddings are performed, there is still a common thread; they all celebrate beliefs and future happiness for the bride and groom married as man and wife as it was designed by God.
By James R. Eberts. James is a research and creative writer for EverDream Web. He specializes in educational and informative articles that are readable and have contextual integrity. This article was sponsored by Raymond Lee Jewelers, the most referred jewelry store in all of Florida. Raymond Lee Jewelers, for wedding rings or other jewelry. Sell jewelry, buy jewelry or have repairs done, Raymond Lee does it all!
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