The Portuguese influence is strong in Goa’s structures and people. The state’s size is one of many things that matters. Portugal ruled the area for approximately four hundred fifty years, more than India. This was due to the beautiful beaches and the ideal location. The Europeans had a huge influence on the state of Goa. The Portuguese introduced their culture to Goa during the early years of their rule. They soon started inter-religion marriages, forcing people to convert to their religion. Christianity was made the main religion that people followed. They still practiced their traditional customs and traditions, even though they became Christians. Many Indian Christians living in Goa have a unique blend of cultures after many years of colonization. One such Christain community is the Goan Catholics, who practice the Latin Rite. They are from the Konkan region in Goa, India’s west coast. Their culture is a mix of Portuguese and Konkani culture. Their weddings reflect this mix of traditions. These are some of the practices used in a Goan Catholic marriage:
The Proposal
An intermediate, known as a “Mali” or a “Raibari,” visits the boy’s or girl’s house to present the proposal. This custom was common in earlier times. Today, families do not rely on Mali, especially if they like the person (boy or girl).
Utor
Once both families are happy to proceed, they must arrange Utor for the marriage. Both the groom-to be and bride-to-be are invited to attend the meeting. The topic of dowry is usually discussed.
Engagement
The engagement was traditionally held at the groom’s home. Goans will now choose any location for their attention. Priests, their families, close friends, and relatives attend the event. The ring is contained in a box. There’s a Baby Jesus statuette inside. At the bottom of this box is money from the bride-to be’s parents, which indicates the amount of dowry that they will give. Yezman is an elderly relative who counts this money.
Chuddo
This tradition is closely associated with bangles, as the name implies. Chuddo is a delicate glass bangle purchased for the bride. The event is organized by the mother uncle of the bride, or a relative in the absence. To give the best bangles, a kakonkar or bangle seller is invited to the house. There are many bangles available in the chuddo. The bride wears the chuddo to signify a happy marriage. These bangles must be broken by the wife when her husband passes away. As a sign of blessing, the family places money on a tray next to the kakonkar. This ritual reflects the Indian roots that the Goan catholics have.
Roce
This ceremony is usually performed one to two days prior to the wedding. The ceremony is traditionally performed one day before the wedding. Roce is the use of coconut milk to anoint the groom-to be separately in their respective homes. The ceremony typically begins with prayers and then coconut milk is applied to the body. To make the Roce, other nutrients are added. Often, friends add eggs, shampoo, beer, and so on. for a fun element. This ceremony is the symbol for purity and marks the end of bachelorhood.
Zoti, traditional Konkani wedding verses, are sung during the Roce ritual. This tradition is slowly fading with the introduction of DJs to the party, who play the most modern songs. To keep the tradition alive, Specialized Mando groups still perform Zoti. Atoll is a sweet dish of rice, jaggery, and coconut that is served to guests.
The Ritual of Roce is entertaining and fun with lots of food and drinks.
It is recommended that the bride-to be and groom-to be stay home after this event.
Bicareanchem Jevonn
Bicareanchem Jevonn refers to a tradition of honoring family members who have passed away. An elderly person breaks down a coconut in front of the house. The couple then cooks a meal for the less fortunate in their area. Samarachi koddi, a special curry made on this day, is called Samarachi koddi. This curry includes fresh and dried shrimp, dried ripe mango and other ingredients. The Bicareanchem Jevonn also makes sweet puffed-up puris, called voddes. These can be made from rice or black gram. These sweets, as well as soji or vonn, are prepared during the ritual. The groom-to be and the bride-tobe both go to their local communities to give food to old age homes, homeless people, or other non-governmental organizations. The belief is that this will bring blessings from their ancestors.
Doce Making
Doce is a traditional sweet that is prepared at the groom-to be’s and bride-tobe’s homes separately. This dish can be prepared by the entire family, including relatives, friends, neighbors, and neighbours. The whole process becomes fun and exciting with so many people. They also read Goan Mandos, and bestow blessings upon the couple. The traditional way to get the best flavor and texture is to cook the doce over the firewood. The coconut paste, ground chickpea and sugar are simmered in boiling water on a low heat. After the dish has been prepared, beautiful sweets are added to decorate it.
