7 vows in an Indian marriage
I saw the following article in Yahoo, my comments are added after each vow:
First vow
The couple appeals to the almighty to shower blessings in the form of pure and nourishing food with a respectful and noble life. The groom pledges to provide welfare and happiness to his wife and children, whereas the bride swears to shoulder all responsibilities for the welfare of the groom's entire family.
-So he feeds and takes care of his wife and she swears for his whole family?! What about the groom taking care of his wife's family?
Second vow
The groom requests the bride to be his strength so that he can provide security and protect the family with courage. The bride agrees to abide by, while demanding eternal love and undivided attention.
This one is understandable. Though its funny this give and take, you do this and I will give you this.
Third vow
The couple pleads for wisdom, wealth, and prosperity in order to live a content and satisfied life. They pledge to remain spiritually committed and the bride assures the groom that by the virtue of true love and devotion she will remain a chaste wife.
My only comment here is what about the husband remaining loyal?
Fourth vow
The groom thanks his would-be wife for bringing auspiciousness, happiness, and sacredness in his life. In return, the bride takes an oath to serve and please her husband in every way possible. Together, they also pledge to take care and respect their elders in the family.
I don't even know where to start with whats wrong in this one! Its always the bride pledging devotion and basically taking care of her husband's every need, what about the groom? His responsibility ends with the money he gets? I guess this just goes to show financial independence for women is a must!
Fifth vow
The importance of the fifth vow is to pray for the welfare of all the living things in this Universe and begetting a noble breed. The couple also prays to almighty to bless each other's friends and family with happiness and well-being.
Again an understandable vow though the "begetting a noble breed" is just asking for some caustic remark! I hate the fact that marriage here means children, a woman has no choice, not being able to have children can even lead to a divorce. I mean really is that all you marry for? I have never gotten around to accepting this concept.
Sixth vow
In the sixth vow, God is invoked to bless the couple for bountiful seasons and long lived togetherness. The groom wishes that his wife would glut his life with joy and peace; while the bride provides assurance that she would participate with her husband in all his noble and divine acts.
This one is again just so wrong, what does the husband actually have to do? Its no wonder I see so many unhappy marriages because a wife really has no life left. Things are changing of course but not really that fast.
Seventh vow
This is the last vow adding completion to the ceremony. Here the couple pleads for the long lasting relationship, enriched with understanding and loyalty. They take an oath to nourish their relationship with love and honesty and be together with each other forever not only in this life, but also in the lives to come.
Now this one too is fine, at least it makes some sense!
First vow
The couple appeals to the almighty to shower blessings in the form of pure and nourishing food with a respectful and noble life. The groom pledges to provide welfare and happiness to his wife and children, whereas the bride swears to shoulder all responsibilities for the welfare of the groom's entire family.
-So he feeds and takes care of his wife and she swears for his whole family?! What about the groom taking care of his wife's family?
Second vow
The groom requests the bride to be his strength so that he can provide security and protect the family with courage. The bride agrees to abide by, while demanding eternal love and undivided attention.
This one is understandable. Though its funny this give and take, you do this and I will give you this.
Third vow
The couple pleads for wisdom, wealth, and prosperity in order to live a content and satisfied life. They pledge to remain spiritually committed and the bride assures the groom that by the virtue of true love and devotion she will remain a chaste wife.
My only comment here is what about the husband remaining loyal?
Fourth vow
The groom thanks his would-be wife for bringing auspiciousness, happiness, and sacredness in his life. In return, the bride takes an oath to serve and please her husband in every way possible. Together, they also pledge to take care and respect their elders in the family.
I don't even know where to start with whats wrong in this one! Its always the bride pledging devotion and basically taking care of her husband's every need, what about the groom? His responsibility ends with the money he gets? I guess this just goes to show financial independence for women is a must!
Fifth vow
The importance of the fifth vow is to pray for the welfare of all the living things in this Universe and begetting a noble breed. The couple also prays to almighty to bless each other's friends and family with happiness and well-being.
Again an understandable vow though the "begetting a noble breed" is just asking for some caustic remark! I hate the fact that marriage here means children, a woman has no choice, not being able to have children can even lead to a divorce. I mean really is that all you marry for? I have never gotten around to accepting this concept.
Sixth vow
In the sixth vow, God is invoked to bless the couple for bountiful seasons and long lived togetherness. The groom wishes that his wife would glut his life with joy and peace; while the bride provides assurance that she would participate with her husband in all his noble and divine acts.
This one is again just so wrong, what does the husband actually have to do? Its no wonder I see so many unhappy marriages because a wife really has no life left. Things are changing of course but not really that fast.
Seventh vow
This is the last vow adding completion to the ceremony. Here the couple pleads for the long lasting relationship, enriched with understanding and loyalty. They take an oath to nourish their relationship with love and honesty and be together with each other forever not only in this life, but also in the lives to come.
Now this one too is fine, at least it makes some sense!