Music & Rituals
When thinking about what I wanted to do for this assignment, I knew I wanted to research the music rituals of some cultures' weddings. I love weddings, especially when the DJ or band calls everyone to the dance floor to celebrate with the newly married couple. In general, at an American wedding, there are many musical rituals within a wedding starting with music that is played when everyone is waiting for the wedding party to walk down the aisle, chordophones being played when an individual who is getting married is walking down the aisle, music at the reception, and music is played for the first dance as a new couple. The culture I was inspired to research more about was Indian wedding music rituals. When I was little I was in love with the Cheetah Girls and the third Cheetah Girls movie was when the girl band went to India and dressed in Indian fashion and danced to Indian-style music.. and I loved it! I recently rewatched the movie and this sparked the idea to research more about the music rituals at an Indian wedding. For reference here is a picture of the fashion in the third Cheetah Girls movie:
When researching Indian wedding music rituals I found the music is varied throughout different regions of India and in India, the most practiced religion is Hinduism so much of the music reflects this. Typical Hindu weddings are over 5 days long and have different ceremonies with different types of music such as traditional, folk, or Bollywood (https://www.easyweddings.co.uk/articles/quick-guide-to-indian-wedding-music/).
1. The Mehndi Ceremony
This ceremony is where the hands and feet of the bride are decorated with henna which is a dye made from a natural plant. Bridesmaids and female family members are invited as well. During this ceremony, traditional music is played and mostly with the instruments the Dholak and Sitar.
The Dholak is a two-headed drum and produces bass and treble with high and low pitches.
The Sitar is a string instrument that is plucked and sounds a bit like the guitar with a vibrating buzz sound
- Traditional Style: Kesariya Balam- Rajasthan
This is more of a traditional folk song that sings about the rich culture of India.
- Bollywood style: Mehndi Hai Rachne Wali- Alka Yagnik
This is a typical song played at a Mehndi Ceremony and you can hear the dholak, sitar, piano, shakers, and the singer clapping. The translation of this song is about the beauty and significance of the Mehndi ritual.
2. The Sangeet Ceremony
This ceremony is where all of the female friends and family members of the bride come together and sing about the couple's future. Playful Bollywood music is played and even some traditional songs that poke fun at the groom's family!
- Chaap Tilak- Abida Parveen & Rahat Fateh Ali Khan
In this song, we can hear drums, cymbals, sitar, guitar, and STRONG vocals!!! I think Bollywood music relates back to the idea we covered in class where traditional music combines with modern music and this song has elements from traditional Indian music and upbeat fun Bollywood songs.
- Ek Kunwara Phir Gaya Mara- Masti
This is one of the songs that poke fun at the groom. This song is about how the groom's life is about to be taken over by the bride!
3. The Shaadi Ceremony
This Shaadi Ceremony is the actual wedding where the couple becomes newlyweds! Typical music played at Shaadi is folk songs with the help of the Shehna. Some couples may choose to play Bollywood music performed by live bands or DJs.
This is the Shehna, an oboe from the north of India which produces powerful sounds
- Latthe di Chadar- Folk Song
The typical folk song at the Shaddi Ceremony! I love how folk music is still played at weddings! it shows how valued culture and traditions are.
4. The Vidai- The Bride's Farewell
This is the bride's farewell to her family and friends, and the music is Bollywood style. This is a very sentimental moment during the wedding.
- Dilbaro- Raazi
As you can see in the video, this moment is special for both sides of the family!
I think it’s pretty cool that you wanted to do a little extra research for the rituals of an Indian wedding. I have to admit I was surprised when you showed some of the instruments that are being displayed at a wedding like. The “Sitar” is what stood out the most to me, a very uncommon “guitar” in other cultures I’d say. Overall very cool to read about!
ReplyDeleteComing from a Cambodian background, I realize/learn how similar our weddings are to the Indian culture. The clothing is probably my favorite part about different cultures as they are typically made of bright colors that compliment each other. I find it pretty cool that they play different music based on the event that is occurring. One thing that stood out the most to me was the decoration of henna on the hands and feet.
ReplyDeleteI also think Indian music is beautiful! I've always found the style of singing and the percussion to be absolutely mesmerizing. My best friend in high school was Indian and shared a lot of Bollywood music with me so, while I'm somewhat familiar with that style, I haven't heard a lot of traditional Indian music. I really enjoyed listening to the videos you included of the traditional style sitar and folk song.
ReplyDeleteI love weddings and think the Indian culture is super unique too! I had no idea that "henna tattoos" originated from the Indian culture. I also enjoyed learning and hearing all the instruments you mentioned.
ReplyDelete