Ancient-rooted Hinduism, celebrates “birth”, reveres it and worships it. The most ancient scripture of world –Rigveda, has a separate section dedicated to “hymn of creation”. Goddess Sinivali is invoked together with Goddess Saraswati in Rigveda to place the fetus in the womb. Today, she is considered the incarnation of Durga. These hymns dedicated to different rituals are meant for health and fertility of young couples going to be married soon. In each step, these infertility rituals in Hindu marriages are followed with hymns of Rigveda. Fertility rituals are sacred and performed with joy!
A Hindu’s life revolves around these symbols of fertility. This has a greater meaning to human existence. Miracle of birth is definitely for rejoice.
Marriage as a Fertility Rite
The very important aspect of marriage is “carrying forward” the human inheritance. Thus, Hindu marriages are full of examples of sacred fertility rituals. Let’s count a few:
The Baby-shower Ritual (God Bharai)
Famous as ‘God-Bharai’, in Hindi, the baby-shower is the most important fertility ritual in Hindu Marriages across India. It is performed in different names in various states of India. This is the first step of formal fertility declaration of a woman. It is a celebration of feminine. It is blessing of motherhood. The would-be mother is given a special treatment on God Bharai or Baby Shower day. A number of petty ritual steps are followed for the auspicious welcome of unborn child. It is a loud proclamation that “a woman is special because she is fertile”.
The Banana Plant- Reproduction
Banana is a common “ingredient” of North and South Indian marriages in all Hindu communities. It is a plant that keeps shooting and keeping itself regenerate over time. This is why, it is seen in Hindu marriages as an auspicious symbol. It is considered to present the duty of married couple to make sure the next generation is established.
Chewing Betel (paan) Leaf with Areca Nut -TOGETHERNESS
Betel Leaves and Areca Nuts symbolize love in wedding rituals. Newlywed couples chew the areca nut and paan as this presents a long-lasting togetherness.
Milk and Curd Rituals
Milk and curd represent a different union if mixed together. So, they are symbolic of imminent fertility which will be the result of this sacred union.
Feeding “Virgin” or “Young Child”
Sweet or jiggery is given to a young child of any gender, by the couple. This is suggestive of good luck and charm that will come with their first child or progeny-to-come. The bride and the groom together give delicious food or sweet to a young child. This is supposed to be a good luck charm for their progeny to come. The fertility, fertile period of a couple, or birth of a child; changes the whole course of time. It is given a grand ritual with chants, hymns, and most pious materials on earth.
