Hindu Marriages

In Hindu culture, marriage is one of the most important sanskaras or rites of passage that a Hindu observes during his or her lifetime. Briefly stated, the marriage or the Vivaah Sanskar is the transition from the first stage of life, devoted to education and learning, to the second stage of life, devoted to building a household and raising children. The married couple pursues Dharma, performing the righteous duty, Artha, the acquisition of wealth and Kama, the enjoyment of natural desires. They lead a productive life of work, service and enjoyment, fulfilling various duties and obligations towards themselves, their families and society at large.In Hindu scripture, marriage is a sacrament with strong moral and ethical values. It is meant to unite the bride and the groom firmly so that they essentially become one in soul and spirit.

The Hindu marriage ceremony is primarily based on the marriage of Surya, the daughter of Savita (The Sun) to Ashwinikumar, as described in the Rig-Veda, one of the oldest Hindu scriptures.  After Ashwinikumar wins the chariot race, Savita gives away the bride in a splendid ceremony.

Think of the actual wedding ceremony as if it were a romantic story, where the bride and the groom come to the Mandap, separately, as if unknown to each other. Then they fall in love and ask the parents' permission to get married. We explain them what the Hindu marriage means and they accept the obligations that go with it.  During the various rituals, the couple commits to remain faithful to each other and repeat the pledge in front of the Fire God, the Agni and all the witnesses. Then, they walk seven steps together with seven vows to each other, about their future life together. We all bless them and wish them a very happy life and they leave the Mandap as a newly married couple!

Source : hinduwedding.info/marriage-ceremony.html

Christian Mariages

When a man and a woman get married they commit themselves to spending their lives in a new relationship. In any marriage ceremony the bride and groom must confirm that they want to marry each other, and after the opportunity has been given publicly for anyone present to prevent the marriage if there is a legal reason, the couple join hands and make promises.  They exchange rings, which are worn as a reminder of these promises for the duration of their married life.

If the marriage begins with a wedding service in a Christian church, the minister conducting the wedding reminds all present that marriage forms part of a pattern of life established by God.  The first marriage that the Bible tells of is between Adam and his wife, Eve.  God declared, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone.  I will make a helper suitable for him.’

In a church service there are readings from the Bible which explain the nature and significance of marriage.  The couple make promises to stay together ‘for better, for worse; for richer, for poorer; in sickness and in health; to love and to cherish until death us do part’.  It is a commitment for life, and not just for the times which are easy.  Prayers are said for the newlyweds, which recognise both the joys and difficulties ahead, and ask God’s blessing on the couple.

Some Christians believe that marriage vows are unbreakable, so that even in the distressing circumstances in which a couple separates, they are still married from God’s point of view.  This is so in the Roman Catholic church, although occasionally a marriage is declared to be null (in other words, it never really was a marriage).  Other Christians have accepted divorce and remarriage in some circumstances - for example, to relieve one partner of intolerable hardship, unfaithfulness or desertion.

Source : www.christianity.org.uk/index.php/a-christian-view-of-marriage.php