Traditions
Thali
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The thali hangs on thread made of 21 strands from the manthrakodi and are then woven into seven sets of three, symbolizing the Holy Trinity. The groom ties the thali around the bride’s neck in a special knot known as the minnukettu (literally tying the knot). The knot reflects the permanence of marriage, and the bride wears the thali for the rest of her life as a sign of their marriage. The thali in our ceremony is an heirloom from Sarita’s late maternal grandmother, Teresa - a cherished reminder of family and continuity.
Manthrakodi
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The manthrakodi is placed over the bride’s head and symbolizes warmth, protection, and the welcoming of the bride into her new family. It also signifies the veil of Rebecca (Genesis 24:65). This is usually done by the priest and groom, together with the groom’s eldest sister, representing love and acceptance from her new home. The bride leaves the ceremony with the manthrakodi draped on her arm. It is sometimes worn during the wedding reception, and traditionally during wedding anniversaries and other important family occasions like the baptism of children.