Similarities and Differences between Weddings in America and India
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Introduction
Marriage is an important commitment that people make towards their companions whom they love. To commemorate marriage commitments, some people resolve to weddings. Weddings hold different meanings for diverse people. It is just an event, while to others, it is an iconic moment, a dream come true moment, and they go out of their way to make the “big day” a success. In my essay, I will be comparing and contrasting weddings in America and India; the dressing, engagement, and reception.
Engagements
Engagements are formal agreements between two people to get married.
In both America and India, engagements are accompanied by celebrations and parties before the wedding day. In America, the engagement is symbolized by an engagement ring, in most cases, a diamond ring, and in India, the engagement is symbolized by a thread that ties on the bride and groom (Buchanan, C. M. (2018). In both countries, bridal showers are hosted for the bride. In America, bridal showers are referred to as bachelorette parties. In America, bachelorettes are meant to celebrate her last day as a maiden before the wedding day. In India, bridal showers are called the mehndi ceremony, which is hosted for the bride and close friends, the main being application of henna on the bride’s hands and feet. The groom is entitled to a bachelor’s party in America, while in India, the party is referred to as Tilak.
The difference in engagement ceremonies is that the rules guiding bachelor and bachelorette parties are lenient in America. In India, tilak and mehndi ceremonies have rules and traditions that are to be followed. Events that follow engagements in Indian cultures are many can be overwhelming for couples and their families.
Dressing
Dressing in weddings involves glamour, from the exploration of color and designs to wedding themes. The most couple spends so much money on dresses, especially the bridal dress.
In both countries, the bride’s wedding gown is always exquisite.
In American culture, the wedding gown oftentimes is white in color, which was initiated by Queen Victoria in 1840. Some view the color white as a sign of purity. The bride normally has two dresses, one for walking down the aisle and another for the reception, commonly referred to as dinner dress. The groom wears a suit or tux and a bowtie that is distinct from what groomsmen are wearing.
In contrast, Hindus love to explore colors in their dresses complemented with gold jewelry. The bride wears a red or pink sari, which symbolizes good fortune and joy. The groom is normally dressed in a knee-long shirt with pajama leggings; a turban is optional. Indian brides have four dresses for every ritual with unique designs. Some Indians choose a white gown for the ceremony and a red sari for the reception in modern times. The choice depends on the cultural heritage of an individual.
Wedding receptions.
Wedding receptions are held after the wedding ceremony as a hospitality and appreciation sign to those attending the wedding ceremony.
Reception bears a range of similarities in the Indian and American weddings whereby there are lots of food, mostly in a buffet style with drinks to replenish the guests. There are music and dance to entertain the guests.
The contrast in wedding receptions is in the number of guests in the reception. In most American wedding receptions, they prefer a small number to manage since receptions are quite expensive. In contrast, an Indian reception involves many family members and guests, and sometimes there is no limitation.
Weddings scenarios are iconic moments, and the values and meanings attached to the event are diverse and differ from one culture to another in concepts and rituals. However, modern society has embraced a wedding with a merger of ideas from a different culture to make these moments unique and classy.
References
Buchanan, C. M. (2018). Heteronormative consumptive patterns in American wedding media.
Fernandez, K. V., Veer, E., & Lastovicka, J. L. (2011). The golden ties that bind: boundary
crossing in the diasporic Hindu wedding ritual. Consumption Markets & Culture, 14(3), 245-265.