‘Man is Born Free, and Everywhere He is in Chains’......... Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Nature has designed the mankind in a way that its species cannot survive alone. They are dependent on each other for various individual, emotional, physical, spiritual and cultural needs.
Without binding oneself in some chains, it is not possible for a man to endure the life on earth. That’s why there happened the formation of several social groups, tribes, clans, bands, ethnicities, cultures, societies et. cetra.
Where all of these groups are there to fulfil an individual’s needs at macro level, there is the smallest unit of grouping that is meant to fulfil an individual’s micro needs. The group is formed due to the nature’s created interdependence of the man and the woman on each other.
The fulfilment of individual or micro needs is a foundation for the sustainability of the human race within larger societies. If men and women were not designed to unite as spouses, families would not form, and consequently, societies would not develop.
While individuals of the two genders may decide to live together any time, there is a need to have a legal contract between them to ensure the existence, security and durability of the relationship.
Marriage is an institution that serves the function. It signifies a commitment of love and support between two individuals who have decided to share their life’s journey.
Societies differ on the basis of how the rituals of marriage are performed. Nevertheless, the fundamental purposes it serves are the same across geography, time and cultures.
Wedding day is one of the most significant days of a person’s life. It is the day when a sacred bond is formed. Though the celebration is just for a day yet the onset of this bond marks the beginning of a new journey, novel joys and novel challenges. Therefore, it is crucial to be prepared for what it holds in the future- the duties and responsibilities.
In the present era, where social media reels dominate our lives, there is an overwhelming desire in society to celebrate luxurious wedding days. Whether or not people can afford it, they take unnecessary financial burdens for an event of a few hours. I have witnessed the marriages with fantabulous wedding day celebrations ending up in chaos.
I don’t mean to underestimate the importance of the day. It is indeed a special day and should be celebrated in a special way. However, the outward decorations and feast do not guarantee to make it remarkable. Instead, it is couple’s emotional wellness that makes the difference.
It is commonly believed that girls have numerous dreams when it comes to their wedding day celebrations. Nevertheless, I didn’t have many desires. I only wanted to look beautiful and the make-up artist did her job well to make my dream come true.
Reading the posts of other members of the community I have come to the realization that there is only one major event that is organized by both the parties collectively. However, my culture has different rituals.
There are two major events. One is hosted by girl’s family. The other by the boy’s. The first event, hosted by bride’s family, is called “Rukhsati" (Departure). The event hosted by the groom’s family is called “Valima"
Rukhsati is the event that is regarded as the actual wedding day. It is the day when the marital relation is officially established. The bride is taken by the groom to her new house. In other words, the girl leaves her home and so the name Rukhsati is given to it. (Perhaps it is important to mention here that unlike other cultures, joint family system prevails in my society. So this is only the bride who departs. The groom lives in the same house with his parents and family. Anyways,...)
Let’s talk about my Wedding day. Among my siblings I was the first one to get married. That’s why the number of guests was higher.
The arrangement for gathering and the feast was made in a marriage hall. There was nothing like photo shoot, no movie making, no music, no dance. Some of my cousins and uncle took photos in their mobile or digital cameras but no professional shooting for album making.
People don’t believe it but it’s the truth that my wedding day was the day when I met my husband for the very first time. We neither had seen each other not did we ever involve in any form of communication, despite the fact that we were engaged for about five years. This extraordinary circumstance made that day particularly unique, as it prompted me to embark on a journey of surrendering myself to an individual who was, in essence, a complete stranger.
The most intriguing aspect of this experience was how, despite our unfamiliarity, an immediate sense of familiarity enveloped us. It felt as though we had shared a lifetime's worth of experiences, as if our souls had been intertwined long before that moment.
This paradoxical blend of the unknown and the intimately known is a testament to the power of marriage as a social union. Before the day, I was of the opinion that sexual relationship cannot be satisfying until the partners have spent some days together understanding each other. Nevertheless, the day changed my opinion.
If you have accepted the person with your heart, the relationship can be established profoundly deep the very first day. In fact, there is no night like the first night. If you missed the joy of that day, it is not likely to return.
The value the first compliment, the first touch, the first hug, the first kiss, the first romance holds is unparalleled. None of these aspects need a huge celebration for them to happen.
They just need the involvement of your heart. The time should be lived with smiles, kindness, cooperation and enthusiasm. The memories it leaves are to live forever.
●●●●●■●●●●●
This post is my participation in Hive Learners featured contest.
