Symbols Used In A Hindu Wedding Card And Its Significance
In a Hindu marriage, culture is deeply ingrained right from match-making to the wedding. These cultures are present since time immemorial and it is more than just way of life. It is an identity that defines the people through specific rituals, symbolic representations and certain cultural activities. There are also deeper significances hidden behind those rituals and cultural activities, which make it even more interesting and meaningful.
A Hindu matrimonial ceremony, or any wedding for that matter, is incomplete without a wedding card. In the same way, the wedding card is an important part of the wedding. In many marriage sites and blogs, wedding cards are not given that much importance, but it is as much a big thing as the other wedding ceremonies nowadays. People want their cards to be the best and also want to be a reflection of their social status. Thus, like any other part of the ceremony, this also needs to be special and at the same time adhere to the cultural necessities of the wedding.
There are a number of symbols and motifs that can be seen present in a Hindu wedding card. Many of these symbols have deeper spiritual and cultural significance. Apart from being aesthetic, these symbols also reflect the spiritual importance of the occasion. Here are some of the symbols and their significance:
• Ganesha
Ganesha is a Hindu God who is considered as the remover of obstacles. That is why He is worshipped before starting any new task or making a new beginning so as to remove any obstacles. He is also given the status by all the Gods and Goddesses, and that is why Ganesha is worshipped before all the Gods and Goddesses. He is considered as a sign of joy and prosperity. As wedding is a new start for the newlyweds, it is considered auspicious to have a Ganesha on the wedding card.
• Kalash
This is another significant symbol used in Hindu matrimonial cards. It is a symbol of a pot which has five mango leaves and a coconut in its opening. The mango leaves and coconut are placed in such a way that the mouth of the pot is closed completely. In Hindu culture, it signifies as the source of wealth and life. There is also a deeper meaning; with the vessel representing the human body, the mango leaves symbolise five senses and water denotes the elixir of life.
• Om
The Om symbol is the most pious motif of the Hindu religion and it is universally accepted as the supreme symbol of Hinduism. It is the emblem of the Holy Trinity of Hindu religion – Lord Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu. It is also considered as the symbol representing ultimate peace and harmony. Most of the Hindu wedding cards start with the wording ‘Om’.
• Swastika
Another symbol that has a significant meaning in Hinduism and is used often in the Hindu wedding card is the Swastika. It symbolises eternal nature and is a combination of two Sanskrit words – Su (good) and Asati (to exist), which means that good may always prevail. In a wedding card, it is used to signify strength and prosperity, and is usually used with the Kalash.
• Doli
The Doli is a pictorial representation of a cot or carriage, where with ancient tradition newly-wed brides were carried to their in-laws’ place. Though Doli is no longer used in modern weddings, the significance of the symbol is associated with the fun, happiness, and harmony of the auspicious ceremony. That is why the symbol of Doli can be still found in modern wedding cards even if the tradition of carrying the bride in a cot or hand-carried carriage is no longer practiced.
• Jaimala
This pictorial symbol represents the garlanding ceremony that marks the union of the bride and the groom in a Hindu matrimony. Jaimala signifies the union of two souls, marking the beginning of a new life. It is printed on a wedding card in order to bring a good start to the wedding.
Symbols and motifs are connections of the spiritual and philosophical aspect of human life with the practical life. Symbols have always played a great role in portraying the deeper meaning of life in a simple manner. Thus, it holds a great importance in cultures, whether in general or in auspicious ceremonies like a wedding.
A Hindu matrimonial ceremony, or any wedding for that matter, is incomplete without a wedding card. In the same way, the wedding card is an important part of the wedding. In many marriage sites and blogs, wedding cards are not given that much importance, but it is as much a big thing as the other wedding ceremonies nowadays. People want their cards to be the best and also want to be a reflection of their social status. Thus, like any other part of the ceremony, this also needs to be special and at the same time adhere to the cultural necessities of the wedding.
There are a number of symbols and motifs that can be seen present in a Hindu wedding card. Many of these symbols have deeper spiritual and cultural significance. Apart from being aesthetic, these symbols also reflect the spiritual importance of the occasion. Here are some of the symbols and their significance:
• Ganesha
Ganesha is a Hindu God who is considered as the remover of obstacles. That is why He is worshipped before starting any new task or making a new beginning so as to remove any obstacles. He is also given the status by all the Gods and Goddesses, and that is why Ganesha is worshipped before all the Gods and Goddesses. He is considered as a sign of joy and prosperity. As wedding is a new start for the newlyweds, it is considered auspicious to have a Ganesha on the wedding card.• Kalash
This is another significant symbol used in Hindu matrimonial cards. It is a symbol of a pot which has five mango leaves and a coconut in its opening. The mango leaves and coconut are placed in such a way that the mouth of the pot is closed completely. In Hindu culture, it signifies as the source of wealth and life. There is also a deeper meaning; with the vessel representing the human body, the mango leaves symbolise five senses and water denotes the elixir of life. • Om
The Om symbol is the most pious motif of the Hindu religion and it is universally accepted as the supreme symbol of Hinduism. It is the emblem of the Holy Trinity of Hindu religion – Lord Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu. It is also considered as the symbol representing ultimate peace and harmony. Most of the Hindu wedding cards start with the wording ‘Om’. • Swastika
Another symbol that has a significant meaning in Hinduism and is used often in the Hindu wedding card is the Swastika. It symbolises eternal nature and is a combination of two Sanskrit words – Su (good) and Asati (to exist), which means that good may always prevail. In a wedding card, it is used to signify strength and prosperity, and is usually used with the Kalash. • Doli
The Doli is a pictorial representation of a cot or carriage, where with ancient tradition newly-wed brides were carried to their in-laws’ place. Though Doli is no longer used in modern weddings, the significance of the symbol is associated with the fun, happiness, and harmony of the auspicious ceremony. That is why the symbol of Doli can be still found in modern wedding cards even if the tradition of carrying the bride in a cot or hand-carried carriage is no longer practiced. • Jaimala
This pictorial symbol represents the garlanding ceremony that marks the union of the bride and the groom in a Hindu matrimony. Jaimala signifies the union of two souls, marking the beginning of a new life. It is printed on a wedding card in order to bring a good start to the wedding. Symbols and motifs are connections of the spiritual and philosophical aspect of human life with the practical life. Symbols have always played a great role in portraying the deeper meaning of life in a simple manner. Thus, it holds a great importance in cultures, whether in general or in auspicious ceremonies like a wedding.
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