What is the meaning of Poruwa?
‘Poruwa ceremony’ (a series of rituals conducted on the wedding day as the couple gets married) is a common marriage ritual among the Sinhalese irrespective of their geographical differences. During the Poruwa ceremony a set or a series of acts, rituals that are associated with religion, myth and magic take place.
How long is a Poruwa ceremony?
about 45 minutes
The entire traditional marriage Poruwa ceremony takes about 45 minutes and proceeds as follows: Bride and then the groom will be accompanied from their hotel rooms to the marriage ceremony in a spectacular mini procession. Highlights include Kandyan traditional dancers and drummers.
What happens in a Tamil wedding?
The formal engagement ceremony in Tamil Weddings, sees the groom and his family arriving at the bride’s home with gifts for her such as a saree and jewellery. She is seated and an aarti is performed, and the sumangalis (married women) tie grains, betel nuts, turmeric, and coconuts in the pallu of her saree.
What does a Buddhist wedding look like?
The partners show reverence to the Buddha by making offerings at an altar, or statue in his image. They might also visit a temple as part of the ceremony and perform rituals there. Most couples will light candles or incense, and present beautiful packages of food and flowers to the Buddha.
What do you wear to a Poruwa ceremony?
While there are no rules about dress code, elegance, simplicity and modesty is always preferred. The Poruwa Ceremony is not a Buddhist ritual.
What do guests wear to a Sri Lankan wedding?
By and large, a saree is what you wear to a Sri Lankan wedding. The glitzier the better. You can also wear a dress.
What is Sri Lankan culture?
Sri Lanka is a land of great cultural diversity. Religion pervades many aspects of life and constitutes a basic element of this diversity. Buddhist and Hindu temples, as well as mosques and churches, with their own colourful rituals, are the most readily visible features of the cultural landscape.
What is family life like in Sri Lanka?
Three or four generations often live together, with the male side of the family connecting the relations. While the mother holds a significant amount of household authority and is respected, the father (or eldest son) is usually the patriarch .
What happens at a Sri Lankan Poruwa wedding?
The modern Sri Lankan Poruwa wedding ceremony was followed by a lovely indoor reception, which soon flowed back into the courtyard again with Erandi and Daniel treating their guests to their first dance as official newlyweds. Both bride and her bridal party were dressed in stunning contemporary sarees which were custom made in Sri Lanka.
Where did the groom and his party walk towards the Poruwa?
The Groom and his party walk towards the Poruwa, led by traditional Sri Lankan drummers and dancers. The Groom and family took place on the right of the Poruwa.
How do you greet on the Poruwa?
The lighting of two lamps at two corners of the Poruwa by the two mothers. The host sought permission, blow the conch shell and the couple ascended the Poruwa with the assistance of their fathers, with their right foot first and greet each other. One sheaf of betel leaves was received and handed back to the host.
What is the significance of the four punkalas in Poruwa?
It is for this reason that four punkalas (pots of prosperity) filled with coconut flowers are placed at the corners of the Poruwa. The coconut fronds signify prosperity. Then, betel leaves are kept at the four corners together with clay lamps and a few coin offerings.