What You Need for a Poruwa Ceremony
A poruwa ceremony is a beautiful and meaningful ritual in Sri Lankan weddings, it's the moment the bride and groom exchange vows and blessings in front of their families and guests. The ceremony involves various customs and traditions that reflect the rich culture of Sri Lanka.
If you are going to have a poruwa ceremony for your wedding,or if you are planning to get a traditional sinhala wedding. you might be wondering what items you need to prepare for it. The wedding service providers or the hotel can sometimes give you the list of items needed for the poruwa,otherwise if you hire a wedding planner or coordinator he will tell you what item you need to bring for the poruwa ceremony. but it is always good to have an idea of what they are and what they represent. So this blog brings you a brief summary of that list:
You can download poruwa ceremony list in sinhala pdf at the end of article
The poruwa itself
This is the main element of the ceremony, and it should be decorated with flowers, leaves, and other auspicious items. The poruwa should have four steps, representing the four noble truths of Buddhism, and a canopy, representing the protection of the gods.
A Pan Kendiya
Pan kendiya is a clay pot that plays an important role in Sri Lankan weddings. It holds water that is poured over the bride and groom's thumbs when they exchange rings. This act represents the bond of marriage and the divine approval of the union. The pan kendiya is often adorned with flowers and leaves to make it more festive and sacred.
A betel leaf basket
This contains 32 betel leaves, which are offered to the gods and the elders as a sign of respect and gratitude. The betel leaves also represent prosperity and good health.
A water pot and a coconut
These are used to perform the ritual of breaking the coconut by the uncle of the bride, which signifies the removal of obstacles and the attainment of happiness. The water pot is also used to sprinkle water on the couple and the poruwa, as a way of purifying and blessing them.
A tray of rice
This is used to perform the ritual of scattering rice, which signifies the abundance and fertility of the couple. The rice is also offered to the gods and the ancestors as a way of sharing the joy and the bounty of the occasion.
A tray of milk rice
This is used to perform the ritual of feeding milk rice, which signifies the nourishment and the satisfaction of the couple. The milk rice is also a symbol of harmony and unity, which are necessary for a peaceful marriage.
Coconut oil
This is used to light the lamps and the candles, which create a festive and sacred atmosphere for the ceremony. The coconut oil also represents the purity and the longevity of the couple.
Coconut flowers
These are used to adorn the poruwa and the punkalasas, which are pots filled with water and decorated with coconut flowers and mango leaves. The coconut flowers symbolize the fertility and the prosperity of the couple.
Clay oil lamps
These are placed around the poruwa and the punkalasas, creating a circle of light that protects the couple from evil influences. The clay oil lamps also represent the simplicity and the humility of the couple.
Incense sticks
These are used to create a pleasant and aromatic smell that fills the air during the ceremony. The incense sticks also represent the devotion and the faithfulness of the couple.
Matches
These are used to light the lamps, the candles, and the incense sticks, which are essential for the ceremony. The matches also represent the spark and the passion of the couple.
Candles
These are used to create a romantic and cozy ambiance for the ceremony. The candles also represent the love and the affection of the couple.
Punkalasas
These are used to perform the ritual of pouring water, which signifies the blessing and the cleansing of the couple. The punkalasas also represent the abundance and the happiness of the couple.
Pirith Treads
Pirith threads are white threads that are used in Sri Lankan weddings to symbolize the bond of marriage. A maternal uncle of the bride ties the little fingers of the couple with pirith threads and pours holy water over them. This ritual is based on the belief that water and earth are eternal elements in Buddhism. Pirith threads are also a sign of respect and equality between the partners.
Item for create pattern on Poruwa
Sesame seeds
These are used to perform the ritual of sprinkling sesame seeds, which signifies the protection and the auspiciousness of the couple. The sesame seeds also represent the wisdom and the knowledge of the couple.
White raw rice
This is used to perform the ritual of sprinkling white raw rice, which signifies the purity and the sanctity of the couple. The white raw rice also represents the peace and the tranquility of the couple.
Paddy
This is used to perform the ritual of sprinkling paddy, which signifies the growth and the prosperity of the couple. The paddy also represents the fertility and the abundance of the couple.
Dhal
This is used to perform the ritual of sprinkling dhal, which signifies the nourishment and the satisfaction of the couple. The dhal also represents the harmony and the unity of the couple.
Red peas
These are used to perform the ritual of sprinkling red peas, which signifies the strength and the courage of the couple. The red peas also represent the bravery and the resilience of the couple.
Green peas
These are used to perform the ritual of sprinkling green peas, which signifies the health and the vitality of the couple. The green peas also represent the freshness and the energy of the couple.
Wilada
This is used to perform the ritual of tying wilada, which are strings of beads, around the wrists of the couple, which signifies the bond and the connection of the couple. The wilada also represent the beauty and the elegance of the couple.
Crushed pasmal
This is used to perform the ritual of applying crushed pasmal, which are fragrant herbs, on the forehead of the couple, which signifies the blessing and the fragrance of the couple. The crushed pasmal also represent the devotion and the faithfulness of the couple.
White cotton cloth
This is used to perform the ritual of covering the couple with a white cotton cloth, which signifies the privacy and the intimacy of the couple. The white cotton cloth also represents the purity and the sanctity of the couple.
Gifts for parents Apart from giving gifts to parents, some people also give gifts to their closest relatives. It can be done as per your wish. So don't forget to pack those gifts beautifully.
Things to be brought by the groom's party
wedding necklace
Wedding 2 ring
Bride homecoming dress
Additional Items
Yellow Small Towel
Doormat
Knife
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