ASSINGMENT

Subject:

Anthropological Theories II

Topic:

Cultural Ceremony, Signifiers, Familiar with ...

Submitted by:

Asma BIBI

Submitted to:

Dr. Huma Haque

Contents
Introduction:................................................................................................................................................. 1

Saraiki Wedding Ceremony:......................................................................................................................... 1

Symbol: ......................................................................................................................................................... 5

Saraiki culture unique and culturally signifier ritual: .............................................................................. 5

Signifere Ritual of Tying and Untying the Bride's Hair: .......................................................................... 5

Cultural Meaning: ..................................................................................................................................... 6

Both Potwari & Saraiki Culture Familiar Signifiers: .................................................................................... 6

Wedding Date:.......................................................................................................................................... 6

Cultural Meaning: ..................................................................................................................................... 6

Mehndi (Henna) Signifiers: .......................................................................................................................... 7

Cultural Meaning: ..................................................................................................................................... 7

Rukhsti Ceremony: ....................................................................................................................................... 8

Holding the Quran and Tossing Wheat: .................................................................................................. 9

Icon: ............................................................................................................................................................ 10

Dhol (Drum): ........................................................................................................................................... 10

Index: .......................................................................................................................................................... 11

Superstition Roots in Ancient Civilizations:........................................................................................... 11

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Introduction:

Approximately one year ago, I attended a Saraiki wedding ceremony, which was

familiar to our Potwari culture. Here, I will provide details about the Saraiki

wedding ceremony based on what I observed. The wedding date is usually fixed

10 to 15 days in advance. When fixing the wedding date, it is taken into

consideration not to schedule it on a Tuesday. They are very much superstitious

about Tuesday weddings and in their thought it will leave a bad/ negative impact

on the family. Avoiding a Tuesday wedding is a cultural practice, and it is believed

that having a wedding on a Tuesday is not auspicious. This belief is prevalent not

only in Saraiki culture but also in Punjabi and Potwari cultures. This superstition

has its roots in ancient civilizations, and the majority of people still believe in it.

Saraiki Wedding Ceremony:

Mendhi:

"Mendhi" and "Mehndi" are two different significant traditional customs in Saraiki

culture. First, I will talk about "Mendhi." Mendhi is a significant event and

tradition in Saraiki culture where women from other villages are invited. On this

day, the bride's family welcomes the female guests. On the night before the

Mendhi event, the groom's family arrives at the bride's house with some of their
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relatives, bringing clothes in yellow color for Mendhi. The bride typically wears

these clothes on the day of the Mendhi ceremony, and they are usually yellow in

color. The event begins at around 12 PM when the women start arriving. After 12

PM, lunch is served, including rice and bread with a curry. At around 2 PM, a

specific ritual takes place where the bride's hair is tied, and it is untied by a

respected woman from the village. Female give gifts in form of cash to the mother

of bride it is also known as Salami or Wail in Saraiki culture after that girls starts

their traditional dance which is famous as "jhumar”. and tea is served to

everyone. The dress that the bride wears on the day of Menhdi is she wears till

the wedding day. Bride don’t do any sort of household work after her mendhi

until her marriage. This event usually concludes by the evening.

Mehndi:

The next day, the Mehndi ceremony takes place. In Saraiki culture, the bride's

Mehndi event is also held during the day, where some of her friends and cousins

apply Mehndi on her hands. The drum is played, and dancing takes place, known

as "jhumar," and a "Lodi" dance is performed. Fruits and a mixture of rice pudding

or custard are served for snacks, and tea is also served at the end of the event.
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In the evening, henna is applied to the groom. Either the groom's friends or

relatives apply the henna to him. On this occasion, a feast is organized for the

entire village, and fireworks are also set off. Traditional songs are sung, and

dances like "jhumar" and "bhangra" are performed.

Nikah:

After the Mehndi night, the groom's family goes to the bride's house the next day

for the wedding (Nikah) ceremony. They bring a dowry with them, which includes

the bride's clothes, jewelry, and makeup. The first ritual is the Nikah ceremony,

during which the marriage contract is formalized. After that, the bride's family

presents a white dress to the groom, which he wears at that moment. Following

the ceremony, the groom goes to have a meal, where the bride's sister asks for

money before allowing him to eat. The groom willingly gives some money as part

of this custom. After the meal, the groom visits the bride, presents her with a ring,

and receives salutations from her. Initially, she gives him 2 rupees, then 10, and

finally 5k as part of this tradition. Next, the groom receives blessings and cash

from the bride's parents. After these rituals, the groom's family returns to their

home. In the evening, around 2 AM, a musical event takes place with folk singers
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and dancers, including local villagers, who dance to cultural songs throughout the

night.

Sehra Bandi:

At 9 a.m., the "sehra bandi" ceremony takes place, where everyone gathers at the

mosque. There, the mosque's imam adorns the groom with a headdress and

offers prayers. After the headdress ceremony, the groom is showered with

money. Sweets are distributed among all the people present. Upon their return,

there is dancing to the beat of the drums, which is known as "sehra" in the Saraiki

culture.The groom returns home, and money is placed on his head as a form of

blessing. On the following day, the groom visits the homes of his close relatives

such as uncles and aunts to pay his respects, signifying the groom's willingness to

visit them.

Waleema:

Afterward, at 12 p.m., the "waleema" ceremony begins. In this event, guests from

other villages are invited, who greet the bride and offer gifts. The waleema feast

typically includes dishes like "sindhi biryani," “bread with curry” "zarda," "kheer,"

and various mixed cold drinks. The waleema continues until 2:30 p.m.

Barat:
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After the waleema, there is an event called the "barat" which typically arrives at 4

p.m. The entire procession includes family members and friends. On the Barat

day, the bride mostly wears a red-colored lehenga, and the groom typically wears

a traditional sherwani or a white kurta with shalwar.During the "rukhsti"

ceremony, the bride holds the Quran above her head, and as she steps into the

car, she tosses a handful of wheat behind her.Upon arriving at the groom's home,

the first thing done is to give "sadqa" (a charitable donation). The entire village

gathers, blesses the couple, and offers prayers. At this time, the village women

give money to the bride, which is known as "nisree" in Saraiki.

Symbol:

Saraiki culture unique and culturally signifier ritual:

In a Saraiki culture wedding ceremony, various signifiers, symbols, and elements

carry deep cultural meanings

Signifere Ritual of Tying and Untying the Bride's Hair:

In many cultures, rituals related to the bride's hair often carry symbolic

significance. The act of tying and untying the bride's hair symbolizes different

aspects.
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Cultural Meaning:

Symbol of Transition: Tying and subsequently untying the bride's hair is a

symbolic representation of her transition from one phase of life to another. It sign

Significance: This specific ritual involves tying the bride's hair, which is later

untied by a respected woman from the village.ifies the change from being a single

woman to a married one.

Blessings and Respect: The involvement of a respected woman from the village

holds cultural importance as it symbolizes the community's blessings and wishes

for the bride's prosperous and happy married life. This woman is often seen as a

figure of wisdom and experience.

Both Potwari & Saraiki Culture Familiar Signifiers:

Wedding Date:

The "Wedding Date" ican be classified as a symbol.It signifies a specific day

chosen for the wedding ceremony.

Cultural Meaning:

In this context, the wedding date serves as a symbol because it represents more

than just a specific day on the calendar. It symbolizes a cultural belief and

superstition associated with choosing the right day for a wedding. The significance
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attached to the wedding date goes beyond its literal meaning and involves

cultural practices and beliefs about auspicious and inauspicious days. The symbol,

in this case, is embedded in the cultural fabric and reflects the importance of

cultural traditions in shaping wedding ceremonies.

Mehndi (Henna) Signifiers:

Cultural Meaning: Mehndi, or henna, is a significant cultural symbol in many

wedding ceremonies.The intricate designs applied using mehndi on the hands and

feet of brides and grooms symbolize beauty, love, and good luck. It's a way to

bless the couple and celebrate their upcoming union.

Clothing Signifiers: Traditional clothing, like the ajrak (a colorful shawl) and kurta,

symbolizes identity and pride in Saraiki culture. People wear these garments

during ceremonies to show their connection to their cultural roots.

Jewelry: In various cultures, jewelry holds symbolic significance, especially in the

context of weddings. Intricate jewelry, often worn by brides and women during

ceremonies, represents beauty, tradition, and family heritage. It's a way to honor

the cultural and familial connection. The act of exchanging or wearing certain

pieces of jewelry during a wedding ceremony becomes a symbolic gesture,

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signifying the union of individuals and the continuation of cultural practices

associated with weddings.

Folk Dance Signifiers: Traditional folk dances like the "Jhumar" and "Bhangra"

“Lodi” are important signifiers of celebration. Folk dances symbolize the

traditions, values, and identity of a particular community or region. The specific

movements, costumes, and music associated with folk dances carry cultural

significance and convey a sense of shared heritage. In the context of weddings,

folk dances often symbolize the celebration of union, joy, and the continuation of

cultural practices.

Rukhsti Ceremony: The Rukhsti Ceremony is a symbolic and significant ritual.

Rukhsti, which translates to "sending off" or "farewell," involves the formal

departure of the bride from her parental home to join the groom and his family.

Cultural Meaning:

Emotional Farewell: The rukhsti ceremony is a deeply emotional moment for

both the bride and her family. It signifies the bride's transition from her parental

home to her new marital home, symbolizing her leaving her past life and

embracing a new one. Blessings and Well-Wishes: Family members often offer
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blessings and well-wishes to the bride during this ceremony, expressing their love,

support, and hopes for her happiness in her married life.

Holding the Quran and Tossing Wheat:

During the rukhsti ceremony, the bride holds the Quran above her head and

tosses a handful of wheat behind her. These actions have specific cultural and

symbolic meanings.

Cultural Meaning:

Quran: Holding the Quran symbolizes the importance of faith, spirituality, and the

guidance of God in the couple's life together. It's a sign of the couple's

commitment to their faith and a source of strength and wisdom.

Tossing Wheat: Tossing wheat grains signifies fertility, abundance, and prosperity

in the couple's new life together. It is a wish for a fruitful and blessed union, with

hopes for a family and a future filled with sustenance and well-being.

Sehra Bandi Ceremony:

The "sehra bandi" ceremony is a traditional and cultural event, the groom is

adorned with a headdress at the mosque, and prayers are offered by the

mosque's imam.
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Cultural Meaning:

Blessings and Protection: The act of adorning the groom with a headdress, often

decorated with flowers and other ornamental elements, symbolizes blessings and

protection as the groom embarks on his new journey into married life. The

headdress, known as "sehra," is believed to ward off evil and bring good luck.

Religious Significance: The involvement of the mosque's imam in offering prayers

during the ceremony highlights the importance of religious blessings and

guidance in the couple's life. It signifies the community's and the couple's

commitment to their faith.

Community Involvement: The gathering at the mosque involves not only the

immediate family but also the broader community, emphasizing the communal

support and participation in the groom's wedding rituals.

Icon:

Dhol (Drum):

Cultural Meaning: The dhol, or drum, is an iconic element in various cultural and

celebratory contexts. In a cultural context, the dhol serves as an icon because its

presence or sound immediately evokes the idea of a celebration, especially a

wedding. The sound of the dhol is associated with festivities, joyous occasions,
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and celebrations, including weddings. The dhol's rhythmic beats often accompany

traditional dances and ceremonies during weddings, symbolizing energy,

enthusiasm, and the spirit of celebration. Dhol music encourages people to dance

and participate in the festivities.

Avoidance of Tuesday weddings:

Cultural Meaning: The avoidance of Tuesday weddings is an icon because it

directly represents a cultural practice or belief. In this case, Tuesday symbolizes

an inauspicious day for weddings, and the act of avoiding it is an iconic

representation of the cultural belief that choosing this day may bring negative

consequences. The icon, in this context, is a visible manifestation of the cultural

value attached to certain days and their perceived impact on significant life

events like weddings. The practice reflects the cultural significance placed on

specific days in relation to superstitions and traditional beliefs.

Index:

Superstition Roots in Ancient Civilizations:

Cultural Meaning:The belief that Tuesday weddings bring bad luck has an

indexical relationship with the roots in ancient civilizations. The signifier here is

the connection between Tuesday weddings and negative outcomes, which can be
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traced back to historical or cultural practices. The belief is not directly related to

the day itself but is indexed to its historical roots. The cultural meaning lies in the

understanding that certain practices are influenced by ancient beliefs and

customs, creating a link between past and present in the cultural narrative

surrounding wedding superstitions.

The End