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Buddhist Weddings or Poruwa Weddings

 

The embryonic form of the Buddhist Weddings could be found as far back as to 300 BC and it is highly influenced by the Buddhist culture. Today, Buddhist weddings which take place in Sri Lanka is based on up country and low country customs. All activities of such weddings take place according to auspicious times or 'nakath' which is created based on the date of birth and time of the bride and groom.

 

The 'Poruwa', a decorated platform is the main feature of Buddhist weddings and all the rituals throughout the ceremony take place on this plat form. Poruwa ceremony is the most vital feature of a traditional Buddhist wedding. Normally, Poruwa is made of wood and it is decorated by fresh plants, leaves and flowers. And also, 'pun kalas' are placed in front of Poruwa which symbolizes prosperity. Today, floral designers make this elegant to match with the entire wedding theme, colours and personal preferences of the couple.

 

The couple enters the place where the poruwa ceremony takes place with their parents and close relatives. After that, each of the couple is elevated on to the 'Poruwa' by one of their uncles at an auspicious time. 'Poruwa' rituals invoke blessings of god and triple gem to the newly married couple. At the poruwa ceremony, the couple exchanges seven bundles of betel leaves requesting god for protection. The small fingers of the couple are tied by a golden thread and holy water is poured and this ritual symbolizes bond and unity of the couple forever. The ritual of exchanging of the rings and the groom tying the wedding necklace and draping the sari and jacket on bride also take place during this Poruwa ceremony. There is a special ritual called 'Kirikada pujawa' which is conducted to pay tribute to the bride's mother for taking her daughter so far in the journey of life until this moment. Then couple steps down from Poruwa at an auspicious time and at this time a fresh coconut is broken in front of the couple to repel evil spirits that the couple may undergo during their new life.

 

After stepping down from Poruwa, the couple lightens the oil lamp which is decorated with flowers to match with their entire wedding theme and colours and it symbolizes a bright future for the couple. Just after lighting the oil lamp, the cake or milk rice is cut by the couple celebrating their new life surrounded by love, bond and unity. The gathering of the wedding is greeted by the couple building new relationships between two families. This is the time the bride and groom has close conversations with their families, friends and others as a new couple. Couple's going away and home coming is also strictly associated with auspicious times. Today, the Buddhist weddings have been influenced by new innovations, but it still reflects Sri Lankan traditions, and the significance of a marriage.

 

Sri Lankan Wedding Formations

 

Sri Lankan Wedding Formations » Buddhist/Poruwa Weddings

 

Sri Lankan Wedding Formations » Hindu Weddings

 

Sri Lankan Wedding Formations » Church Weddings