A well-known business community that is famous for their splendour and gaiety during every ceremony, the Tamil Chetttiars certainly know how to bring people together. The functions and festivities at their place describe in detail the richness of their culture. Attending a Tamil Chettiar wedding is certainly an experience that one is likely to remember forever. This particular clan whose origins can be traced back to 700AD shows the value of family bonding and unity at every occasion.
The Significance of Pen Azhaippu in Tamil Chettiar Weddings
The wedding customs for Chettiar brides are very interesting and exciting - one such is Pen Azahaippu which means inviting the bride into the groom’s house. This is a fun ceremony intended to put the bride at ease as she starts her new life in the groom's house. After the bride and groom leave her home and proceed to the groom’s home, it is natural that she becomes apprehensive and nervous. The ceremonies like Pen Azahaippu helps the couple to put aside their anxieties about the new life ahead and have fun with the rest of the family.
What is done during the Pen Azhaippu Ritual?
This function takes place in a native temple near the groom's house. It is kind of a formal welcome to the new home, mixed with games and laughter. The family arranges a wide range of games in which all the relatives join. The special event involves placing three silver bowls in front of the couple. There will be some hidden items within these bowls. The couple will be asked to place their hands inside and pick the items they stumble upon. It is believed that they will take up new responsibilities in their forthcoming days according to what they have picked. Other small games like picking the ring from the pot and finding the spouse when blind-folded are conducted for the bride and groom to break the ice and welcome the bride into the house.
The Tamil Chettiar community is well known for upholding all their traditional customs wherein they pass their wonderful culture to the upcoming generations.