Garlands or ‘Haars’ have always held a special place in Indian weddings. These floral wreaths symbolize love, purity, and devotion. They are commonly used as decoration and often given as gifts to the bride and groom. Recently, priests have incorporated garlands into wedding dresses, couple’s attire, and ceremonies.

The Meaning of Garlands in Indian Weddings

In India, garlands signify love, respect, and purity. They are used in several different ways during the wedding ceremony. The bride and groom exchange garlands, often made of roses or jasmine, to signify their union and commitment to each other. This exchange of garlands is known as ‘Jaimala’ and is considered one of the most crucial moments in an Indian wedding.

The garlands are also used during the ‘Haldi’ ceremony, where the bride and groom are adorned with the yellow turmeric paste. The garlands are hung around their necks to signify their upcoming union. It is believed that the fragrance of the flowers wards off evil spirits and negative energy, keeping the couple safe and blessed.

Incorporating Garlands in Western Weddings

Garlands are not limited to Indian weddings alone and have been adopted by people worldwide. Western weddings have incorporated garlands to add a touch of elegance and tradition. The brides may include flowers, leaves, and other natural materials in their wedding dresses, making for unique and beautiful wedding attire.

Couples also incorporate garlands into their attire to express their love and commitment to one another. They can be incorporated into the boutonnieres, bouquets, corsages, or even as a hairpiece.

Priests also use garlands during wedding ceremonies in Western culture, often placing them around the couple’s neck to symbolize their union. The garlands are used in the same way as wedding rings, a visible sign that the couple is committed to each other.

In conclusion, garlands have become essential to weddings worldwide, symbolizing love, purity, and devotion. Their use is not limited to Indian weddings but has been adopted by couples of different cultures and backgrounds. Garlands have been incorporated into wedding dresses, couple’s attire, and ceremonies by priests worldwide, making them an essential element in the modern-day wedding scene.