In the grand tapestry of life’s moments, a wedding stands as one of the most beautiful and profound. It’s a time when two souls come together, entwining their destinies, and making promises that transcend time and space. In Indian weddings, the sacred ritual of taking the seven ‘phere’ (or ‘phere vachan’) holds a special place, symbolizing the union of two individuals into one. These wedding vows go beyond mere words; they are the foundation upon which a strong and lasting marriage is built. In this blog, we will explore the significance and power of these seven vows in Indian weddings, delving deep into each one to understand the beauty and commitment they represent.
Vow 1: Prayer for Food and Nourishment
The first ‘phere’ is all about acknowledging the importance of sustenance and nourishment in a marriage. As you take this vow, you promise to provide and care for your partner’s physical and emotional needs, just as you would for yourself. This wedding vow symbolizes the commitment to stand by each other through all of life’s challenges, ensuring that you both have enough to thrive.
In an Indian context, this vow is beautifully mirrored in the tradition of sharing the first morsel of food as husband and wife. It signifies the beginning of a journey where you’ll nourish not only each other’s bodies but also your souls. This act of sharing food creates a strong emotional connection, and the promise to ensure that neither of you ever goes hungry is a profound testament to your commitment.
Vow 2: The Journey of Strength and Prosperity
The second ‘phere’ is a pledge to work together to build a strong and prosperous life. This vow is a commitment to support each other in all your endeavors, to overcome obstacles together, and to celebrate your shared successes.
In Indian culture, this vow often involves the exchange of gifts or offerings as a symbol of the prosperity you aim to create together. These gifts could be grains, jewelry, or other valuable items. The act of giving and receiving reinforces the idea that your journey is not solitary; you are partners, walking hand in hand towards a brighter future.
Vow 3: A Union of Knowledge and Wisdom
The third ‘phere’ is a vow to acquire knowledge, happiness, and harmony through mutual love and respect. This vow is about nurturing each other’s minds and encouraging personal growth.
In Indian weddings, this vow often involves the couple praying together for wisdom and enlightenment. It’s a beautiful reminder that your marriage is not just about physical and material aspects; it’s also a union of intellect and spirit. You pledge to support each other’s pursuit of knowledge and wisdom throughout your lives, ensuring that you both continue to evolve and grow.
Vow 4: Family and Friends
The fourth ‘phere’ is a commitment to respect and honor your family and friends. It acknowledges that your families are an integral part of your lives, and you promise to uphold their dignity and well-being.
In Indian weddings, this vow is often accompanied by a ceremony where the couple seeks blessings from their elders. It’s a beautiful moment that reinforces the importance of family and community in your lives. By taking this vow, you promise to cherish and nurture these relationships, knowing that they are the support system that will stand by you through thick and thin.
Vow 5: Shared Joys and Sorrows
The fifth ‘phere’ is a promise to share in each other’s joys and sorrows. It signifies that you will be there for each other through all of life’s ups and downs, offering emotional support and understanding.
In Indian weddings, this wedding vows is often symbolized by the couple exchanging flower garlands. The act of placing the garland around each other’s necks represents the acceptance of each other’s joys and sorrows. It’s a beautiful reminder that your love will remain unwavering, no matter what life throws your way.
Vow 6: Togetherness in Good Times and Bad
The sixth ‘phere’ is a pledge to stand by each other in times of prosperity and adversity. It signifies that you will be each other’s rock, offering unwavering support and companionship.
In Indian weddings, this wedding vows often involves walking around a sacred fire while making promises to always be there for each other. The fire symbolizes the purity of your love and the strength of your commitment. This vow reminds you that your love is unbreakable, and you will face all of life’s challenges together, as a team.
Vow 7: The Eternal Bond
The seventh and final ‘phere’ represents the most profound commitment of all – an eternal bond of love and companionship. It signifies that your love will transcend time and space, lasting for all eternity.
In Indian culture, this vow is often sealed with the exchange of rings. The circular shape of the rings symbolizes the unending nature of your love. This vow reminds you that your marriage is not just for this lifetime but for all the lifetimes to come. It’s a beautiful testament to the enduring power of your love.
Conclusion
The seven ‘phere vachan’ in an Indian wedding are not just words; they are sacred promises that hold the power to shape a lifetime of love and commitment. Each vow carries its own unique significance and symbolism, reminding you of the depth and beauty of the bond you share with your partner. As you embark on this incredible journey together, remember the power of these wedding vows and let them guide you in building a strong, loving, and enduring marriage. In the end, it’s not just about the rituals; it’s about the love, respect, and commitment that you bring to each other’s lives, making your marriage a true celebration of the heart.
