Goa has a huge influence of Portuguese in every aspect, be it the structures of the place or people of the state. Don't look at the size of the state, Portuguese ruled this area for about four hundred and fifty years (more than India) due to its awesome beaches and ideal location. So, obviously the current state of Goa has been hugely influenced by the Europeans. During the early period of ruling, Portuguese imposed their culture onto the general population of Goa and soon began inter-religion marriages and forced people to convert their religion. This resulted in Christanity becoming one of the major religions that people followed. Despite becoming Christans they were still practising their old customs and traditions. After many years of being colonised, many Indian Christians in Goa have developed a blend of culture. One such Christain community is of the Goan Catholics, who follow the Latin Rite of worship. They belong to the Konkan region of Goa along India's west coast, and as a result their culture is a blend of both - the Konkani and Portuguese culture. So, naturally their weddings are also a mix of different traditions. Here are the various practices that are followed in a Goan Catholic wedding:
In an arranged marriage of Goan Catholics, an intermediater known as a 'Mali' or a 'Raibari' visits the boy's or girl's house to give the proposal. This tradition was widely practised during earlier times. Nowadays, families don't rely on Mali especially in case they already like the individual (girl or boy).
When both the families are ready to go ahead, they have to arrange a formal discussion called Utor regarding the marriage. The meeting is attended by the family of both bride-to-be and groom-to-be with or without Mali. The discussion is generally regarding dowry.
Traditionally the engagement used to be held in the groom's house. Now Goans prefer any location they want for the engagement. The event is attended by priests, family, relatives and close friends. The box containing the ring for the groom-to-be has a Baby Jesus statuette and at the bottom of the box is money given by the Bride-to-be's parents , which represents the amount of dowry they are going to give. Yezman, an elderly family member counts this money.
As the name suggests, this tradition is associated with the bangles. Chuddo are delicate glass bangles bought for the bride. This event is organised by the maternal uncle of the bride at his own house or by a family member in case of the absence of this relation. A bangle seller or kakonkar is invited in the house to give the best bangles available. The chuddo includes bangles of varied colours. Wearing the chuddo by the bride symbolises a good married life. So, when the husband dies in future the wife has to break these bangles on the coffin. The family places money on the tray near the kakonkar as a token of blessing. This ritual easily reflects the Indian roots of the Goan catholics.
This ceremony is performed one or two days before the wedding. Traditionally the ceremony was celebrated one day prior to the wedding. Roce is basically the coconut milk which is used to anoint the bride-to-be and groom-to-be separately in their respective houses. The ceremony usually starts with prayers followed by the application of coconut milk by either applying directly to the body or pouring it over the head of the groom along with the best man or bride and her bridesmaids by the elderly. Along with the coconut milk other nourishing ingredients are also added to make the Roce. Nowadays, friends tend to add egg, shampoo, beer, etc. for a fun element. The ceremony represents the end of bachelorhood and is the symbol of purity.
Zoti are traditional Konkani wedding verses that are sung during this ritual of Roce. This tradition is gradually fading away with the entry of DJs in the party which play most new age songs. There are some Specialized Mando Groups which are still performing Zoti to keep up the tradition. Atoll is a sweet dish made of coconut, jaggery and rice served to the guests.
Overall, the ritual of Roce is fun filled and entertaining with lots of food, drinks and dancing.
After this event it is recommended to the bride-to-be and groom-to-be to stay at home till their wedding day.
Bicareanchem Jevonn is a custom of honouring the departed family members. A coconut is broken down in front of the house by an elderly and then a meal is cooked in the houses of the couple, for less fortunate people in their surrounding area. Samarachi koddi is a special curry prepared on this occasion. This curry is made with fresh and dried shrimp and dried ripe mango along with other ingredients. Sweet puffed up puris called voddes are also made during the Bicareanchem Jevonn. These are prepared from rice and black gram. Besides these, soji and vonn are sweets prepared during this ritual. Both the bride-to-be as well as groom-to-be go to their respective neighbourhoods to offer food to beggars, old age homes, or NGOs. It is believed that by doing so the couples receive the blessing from their ancestors.
Doce is a popular sweet prepared prior to wedding at the bride-to-be and groom-to-be's house separately. The whole family, relatives, neighbours and friends gather at the bride-to-be's house to prepare this dish. The process of preparation becomes exciting and fun with so many people. They also recite Goan Mandos and bestow blessings on the couple. Traditionally the doce is cooked above the firewood and that gives the best flavour and taste to the dish. Ground chickpea, coconut paste and sugar are cooked in boiling water over a low flame. Once the dish is prepared, it is decorated with beautiful coloured sweets.
This sweet dish is also prepared for Christmas and other special occasions.
Wedding day finally arrives after these rituals. A close relative of the groom visits the bride's house with her wedding dress and other accessories to help her in getting ready. Her bridesmaids and flower girls also receive accessories from the groom's side. The best man and page boys dress up at the groom's house. The couple then seek the blessing of their respective family members and go for nuptials, which is essentially the exchange of wedding vows, rings and being pronounced as husband and wife. The event takes place at the church of the groom's residential area. It is attended by a priest, family, relatives and friends. The couple receive blessing at the entrance of the church and then they walk together to the altar. After the nuptials, the couple go to the groom's family and then seek the blessing of the family.
Before the newlywed enters the groom's house, the lady of the house removes the evil eye by revolving water or salt around the head of the couple and then throwing it away. Then the groom's mother gives a gold chain to the bride as a symbol of blessing. The mother-in-law also gifts a red dress to the bride. They both are welcomed in the family. A small litany is held after the welcome for the welfare of the newlywed.
This is followed by a grand reception. The party includes everything from the couple's first wedding dance, to wedding march, to cake cutting, to raising a toast. The night is quite enjoyable with dancing and delicious food.
Xim is a ritual that is performed at the end of the reception, that is marked by pouring of liquor by the relatives and friends of the newlyweds. The bride and groom stand beside each other and on either side stand their respective families. Then the prayers are offered and holy verses are recited. Blessings are given to the couple so that they return home happily by resolving all their disagreements.
The very next day, the family of the bride invites the couple and the groom's family to their house for a bridal dinner that is called Porthopon. The bride wears the sado given to her by her mother-in-law on the wedding day. The brother of the bride holds the hands of the newlyweds and makes them enter the house. Then they have to offer prayers by kneeling on a pillow and after the prayer they are lifted by the bride's brother(s). The event gives a chance to get to know each other well, especially for the family. The event is attended by family members and close friends only. The night is filled with dance, games and lots of entertainment. And here comes the end of the Goan Catholic wedding.
These few days of pre-wedding, wedding and post wedding celebrations are rich in Goan Catholics' culture. The beauty of these traditions is that they are a blend of Konkani as well as Christian cultures. It is fascinating how the ancestors of today's Goan Catholics have created a unique chain of traditions. When it comes to traditions, although modified, they still hold a lot of importance for the Konkani people. Every ritual is a way of interacting with each other. People generously help each other and the participation of the elderly adds a different charm to the wedding events. These events are packed with joy and laughter and anyone will love them.
