In Hindu culture, weddings are seen as a bond for not only for this life, but for all the lives. Like the Hindu culture, Hindu weddings are also a trademark of religious customs and traditions. A Hindu wedding is normally a 3-5 days long ceremony with a lot of entertaining functions and rituals. The Hindu wedding cards also tend to represent the same religious spirit of Hindu culture. The Hindu wedding cards are enriched with various religious symbols and motifs which are considered sacred and auspicious for a wedding ceremony. Apart from being enchanting and eye-catching, these designs and patterns have religious as well as spiritual significance. Besides, they also improve the beauty of the Hindu wedding cards. Here are the various types of symbols used in Hindu wedding cards.
Om- symbol of peace and divinity
It is the most significant symbol in Hindu culture. It is seen as an emblem of the three principal gods of Hindus- Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. This motif symbolizes the beginning of a text and therefore is used for the wedding cards to bring sanctity, peace and ecstasy. All the major Hindu rituals start with Om. The Hindus believed that it is the sound that was heard at the time universe was created.
Lord Ganesha- destroyer of hurdles
Lord Ganesha is a very well-known deity in Hindu religion and is always worshiped before the beginning of any auspicious work to remove all the hurdles and obstructions. Lord Ganesha is considered the God of wealth good omen meaning, education and knowledge. He is an epitome of prosperity and joy. Consequently, the motifs of Lord Ganesha are printed on wedding cards to make the wedding free from any obstacles.
Swastika- epitome of prosperity and strength
The Swastika symbol should not be mistaken with the Nazi symbol. However, it is the second most important symbols for Hindus. The Nazi symbol is a tilted version of Swastika. The Swastika symbol is an epitome of good fortune and prosperity and means- Everything is good or May good prevails. It also symbolizes four different directions, sun, movement and change. It denotes stability and firmness and is used with a Kalash on Hindu wedding cards.
Kalash- emblem of purity and divinity
The Kalash holds a predominant significance in Hindu culture. It is a water vessel containing mango leaves and a coconut at the mouth of the vessel. Lord Varuna- the God of oceans is invoked while filling it with water. In Hindu culture, the Kalash is regarded as a hallmark for wealth and the source of life. It denotes the human body, the mango leaves represent the five senses and the water symbolizes the elixir of life. Due to all these features it is printed on wedding invitations for a good omen in weddings.
Jaimala- Symbol of tranquility & Holiness
The Jaimala is actually the garland exchange ceremony during the wedding. It is an epitome of a new start for the bride and groom. To symbolize it in the wedding cards, the pictorial representation of Jaimala is used on them.
Doli- logo of a New Beginning
The Doli is basically a carriage with four bamboo poles used to carry the bride when she heads towards the groom’s house. It is the traditional style, which is rarely used in the modern Hindu marriage. Rather, vehicles are being used today. However, to represent the cultural significance, the motif of a Doli is still used in Hindu wedding cards.