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Wedding
A Mizo wedding is a blend of rituals that weave together love, community, and heritage. It’s a celebration that begins with age-old customs and flows into a contemporary rhythm, much like the undulating hills of the region. Known as “Zawlbuk”, the ceremony typically takes place in a church, reflecting the Christian influence on Mizo culture. The church is decorated with flowers, and the atmosphere is filled with hymns and prayers, creating a serene and sacred ambience. The bride and groom, dressed in traditional attire, make their way to the church, accompanied by their families and friends. The wedding service includes readings from the Bible, hymns, and a sermon, culminating in the exchange of vows and rings. After the church ceremony, the celebrations continue at the bride’s home or a community hall, where a grand feast is prepared. The feast, known as 'Bawhrawp,' includes traditional Mizo dishes such as 'Bai' (a savoury dish made from greens, pork, and bamboo shoot) and 'Sawhchiar' (rice cooked with meat). It concludes with the departure of the bride and groom, a moment filled with both joy and a touch of melancholy. In some traditions, the groom takes the bride to his home, symbolising the start of their new life together. This is often done with great ceremony, with the couple being escorted by a procession of family and friends, who sing songs and offer prayers for their journey ahead. As with many cultural practices, Mizo weddings have evolved over time, blending tradition with modern influences. The core rituals and customs remain intact, but the way they are celebrated has seen changes. With urbanisation and the influence of global cultures, Mizo weddings have become more elaborate, with grand receptions, themed décor, and even destination weddings becoming more common. However, despite these changes, the essence of a Mizo wedding – community involvement, respect for tradition, and the celebration of love – remains unchanged.
Cultural Significance
To truly appreciate the beauty of a Mizo wedding, one must first understand the rich cultural tapestry from which it is woven. The Mizos, predominantly Christians, have wedding customs that are a blend of their indigenous beliefs and Christian practices.
The ceremonies are deeply communal, with the entire village or community often participating in the celebrations. This sense of togetherness is a hallmark of Mizo culture, where the joy of one is the joy of all. The beauty of a Mizo wedding lies in its ability to evolve with time while staying true to its cultural roots.
Fashioning Tradition
The Mizo bride is a vision of grace and elegance. Traditionally, she wears a Puan, a beautifully woven wraparound skirt that is a symbol of Mizo culture. The Puan is often made of rich, vibrant fabrics with intricate patterns that represent various aspects of Mizo life and nature. The most common colours for the bride’s Puan are red, black, and white, each carrying its own significance – red symbolises love and passion, black represents strength and resilience, and white stands for purity and peace.
The bride’s blouse, known as the Kawrchei, is traditionally made of silk or cotton, and it complements the Puan in both colour and design. The Kawrchei is often adorned with delicate embroidery, adding to the bride’s overall elegance.
In recent times, many Mizo brides have opted for a more modern twist by incorporating the white wedding gown into their attire. This reflects the evolving fashion sensibilities of the Mizo people.
The Mizo groom’s attire is equally striking. Traditionally, the groom wears a Puanchei, a woven cloth similar to the bride’s Puan, but with patterns and colours that denote masculinity and strength. The Puanchei is often paired with a white or black shirt, which adds a touch of simplicity and elegance to the groom’s look.
In some communities, the groom may also wear a Sutphur, a traditional shawl draped over the shoulders, symbolising warmth, protection, and the groom’s role as the provider. The Sutphur is usually made of rich fabrics and features bold patterns that complement the Puanchei.
For modern Mizo grooms, there is a growing trend of incorporating Western-style suits into their wedding attire. However, much like the bride, the groom often retains elements of traditional Mizo clothing, creating a unique blend of the old and the new.
Jewellery & Accessories
Traditionally, the Mizo bride wears Thihna, a type of necklace made from beads, shells, or silver. The Thihna is often passed down through generations, carrying with it the blessings and stories of the women who wore it before. It’s not just a piece of jewellery but a link to the bride’s ancestors and a symbol of continuity. In addition to the Thihna, the bride may also wear Hmaram earrings, which are often crafted from silver or gold and feature intricate designs that reflect Mizo artistry.
A Mizo bride’s accessories may also include a Vakiria, a traditional headgear made from cane and decorated with colourful beads and feathers. The Vakiria is a symbol of beauty and elegance, and wearing it is a way for the bride to honour her cultural roots.
The Mizo groom’s accessories are simple yet deeply symbolic. He may wear a Kau, a traditional headgear made from bamboo or cane, which symbolises strength and resilience. The Kau is often adorned with feathers or beads.
Another important accessory for the groom is the Bawktep, a waist belt made from leather or woven fabric. The Bawktep is not just a functional item but a symbol of the groom’s readiness to take on the responsibilities of marriage.
Image Credits
India Untravelled | Shadidukan | Wedding Bazar | Wedding Bazar | India Today Project | Tripura | Subcontinental | Mizoram | Mizohan | Wedding Plz | The Story Mug | Utsavpedia | The Mizons | Indiaspeed | India Filings