Dramatic rituals of Suhagraat

(Wedding Night)

1. Popular first night traditions of an Indian wedding

Wedding may be a universal celebration, but sometimes it becomes an unbelievably
crazy adventure. Though the Indian weddings today are changing rapidly, the traditional
approach is still maintained in most of the Indian families. Even the first night that the
bride and the groom spend together as newlyweds is also ruled by many traditional
stereotypes. As you read through this list of strange wedding night (Suhagraat) customs
just think to yourself – who’s the weird one?

2. Superstitions run rampant

For all the beliefs that lead to nice traditions, there are ten times as many superstitions
that would make for a strange wedding night. And it’s not just us…there are not-so-
logical Suhagraat customs that are followed all across the world. One says that pound of
Limburger cheese placed under the pillows of the newlyweds on their wedding night will
bring lots of children. It’s hard to imagine that smelly cheese could be that much of an
aphrodisiac!

3. Superstitions run rampant

There’s another great one that says the first person to go to sleep on your wedding
night will be the first to die. Just what everyone wants to think about on the happiest
day of their lives: their own death!

4. Floral decoration
It has been an age-old tradition that the couple’s room be decorated with heavily
fragrant, fresh flowers for their suhagraat. It is believed that the sweet, natural
fragrance of the flowers creates a romantic mood for the couples to begin the new
chapter in their life together. Usually the preferred flowers are rajnigandha (tuberose),
roses and jasmines as these have an exotic aroma, and are believed to leave an
aphrodisiac effect on the couple.
 5. Bribe at the door!
Suhagraat is also the night where the relatives and friends make fun of the groom,
teasing him for his impatience in joining his bride. They do not allow him to leave them
till quite late. Even then, the sisters or other younger female relatives of the groom
delay him further by putting across their demand, which can be considered like a
'through fare' for going to his room. There is much fun and laughter while the poor
groom negotiates with his sisters before reluctantly handing over their gifts.

6.The Ghunghat (Veil)

One of the traditional stereotypes of the suhagraat is that the bride is allowed entry in
the room much before the groom. She is allowed some time alone to freshen up.
Dressed in the Indian bridal attire, it is a tradition for the bride to cover her face with a
ghunghat (veil), and wait for her husband. The groom then comes in the room and
unveils the bride. This is also known as the “muh dikhai”, where the groom gifts his
bride something special as a memento.

8.A glass of Milk

According to Hindu Dharma, marriage is a union of two souls such that the individual
bodies remain as separate entities but the souls merge into one. On the wedding night,
the newly weds are traditionally given a glass of milk to which crushed almond and
pepper has been mixed to enhance the first night experience. Other aphrodisiac
decoctions from the Kama Sutra include fresh fennel juice with milk as well as adding
honey, licorice and sugar to milk.

9.A glass of Milk

According to certain ancient scriptures and texts, the bride and the groom share a glass
of saffron, fennel flavoured, or spiced, milk to replenish their energy, after the tiring
wedding rituals. This milk is also considered as an aphrodisiac, which can ensure that
the couples enjoy their first night together.

10.Science behind serving milk on Suhagraat

Hinduism is perhaps the oldest religion in the world, with sacred texts estimated to date
back to 3000 B.C. Many of its traditions have lasted for eons, with origins lost in time. A
Hindu wedding, one of the most sacred of rites, incorporates many of these timeless
rituals and customs. And one such tradition is that of serving the newly-weds
(specifically the groom) with a glass of milk on their wedding night. Needless to mention
but this tradition is extremely popular, courtesy Bollywood movies and TV serials.

11.A fresh, white sheet!

Here is one of those, age-old popular tradition that has (thankfully) vanished, now. As
we all know, Indian traditions place a lot of emphasis on abstaining from pre-marital
sex. Earlier, in many households, a white bedsheet was placed on the bed of the
newlyweds for their first night, as the soiled bedding was considered to be the proof of a
bride's virginity. Well, good for our society that it realised this is one of the most absurd
(and, disrespectful) things to do to a woman!

12.Wedding night traditions from around the world

Weddings are occasions of lasting traditions and rituals. All over the world, people’s
beliefs, culture and history has affected this memorable event. It is common knowledge
that wedding ceremonies are different all over the world, but did you know that the
diversity extends even on the wedding night? Read this to know the interesting
activities that couples, families and friends do before letting the newlyweds reach a
night of wedding bliss!

13.Wedding night traditions from around the world

It is customary in an American wedding for the bride and groom to hop into a get-away
car with tin cans attached to the rear of the car, off to their secret honeymoon,
immediately after the wedding. Did you know that this rooted from escaping a Celtic
wedding night tradition?

14.Wedding night traditions from around the world

In Gaelic cultures, it was a tradition for friends and family of the couple to mess with the
couple’s wedding night. In the olden days, when couples spend their wedding night in a
barn, girl friends of the bride would dress her for bed and ask each of the male guests
to kiss her good night. The friends would do other things to prevent the groom from
seeing her new wife. Even if the couple finally comes together, they would disturb the

union by making noise.

15.Wedding night traditions from around the world

The couple waits for everyone to get too drunk to eventually leave them alone. This
kind of prank is something that newly weds want to get away from, thus, they keep

their honeymoon destination a secret and speed away after the wedding.

16.Wedding night traditions from around the world

More Celtic wedding night ritual come from Scotland: sleeping in the barn on the first
night, sprinkling water on the marriage bed for luck and staying for a week with the
bride’s parents before moving into the newlywed’s home.

17.Wedding night traditions from around the world

The Germans and the French do a similar tradition of “disturbing” the wedding night,
called Chiverie, known in the US as Shivaree. They make noise outside the place where
the couple spends their first night together. Some even play around with the room
where they will stay, like put plenty of balloons, spread food all over the bed, and hide
alarm clock everywhere, just for fun.

18.Wedding night traditions from around the world

The Romans believed that it was bad fortune when the bride stumbles when entering
the newlywed’s house for the first time. Thus, after the wedding, male friends of the
couple would carry her over the doorstep. At present, the groom is expected to do the
job himself.

19.Wedding night traditions from around the world

In Benin, western Africa, they value virginity. The bride’s mother rewards her with cash
if she’s a virgin at their wedding night! In the morning, the sheets that the couples used
are inspected for bloodstains. Some mothers even fly the flag out the window, showing
off their daughter’s bloodstained nightgown. Seriously!

20.Wedding night traditions from around the world

For the Chinese, at the night of the wedding, candles designed with a phoenix

21.Wedding night traditions from around the world

Marquesasian (from Polynesia) brides have a notable wedding night ritual: they are
expected to have sex with all the male guests and then saving the groom for last. Now
that can make your wedding night … extremely unforgettable!

22.Wedding night traditions from around the world

These are customs, some we have heard of and some we haven’t known yet. Wherever
side of the world you are, there would always be that bit of peculiar custom you have
that people on your part of the world do during weddings. It adds color to the greatly
serious affair, which is getting married!