THE TRADITION OF VOVIYO

It is characteristic that the different ceremonies of Mangalorean Catholic weddings are accompanied by songs (vovyo or Limericks) sung by women. The procedure is that one of the women, usually an elderly lady who knows the voviyos and the sequence of them, leads the song while the rest of the women sing vove and then repeat the last verse. The younger ladies learn the voviyo this way and when confident, take the lead and there by continue the tradition. It is well remembered that in ancient times the wedding songs expressed very lofty sentiments and gave vent to the feelings of the people about the marriage partners and their families, invoking the blessing of God on them. The tradition was carried with them from Goa when our ancestors fled Goa and settled in Kanara, in the Bednore Kingdom of Ikkeri Nayaka dynasty, who welcomed them and allotted land for cultivation. Unfortunately many of these songs are now lost and completely forgotten. The few which are still remembered are recited to this day at weddings. The verses sung in our days have been composed a few centuries ago, and parts of them may be even older. Other songs are made up by the women on the spur of the moment, and are as easily forgotten as composed.

During olden days especially in villages only ladies would apply roce and give a good rub especially to the bride, and the singer would be singingrosachya vaana, ghatnno zalo bov, aang kara mov amchya vokulechem and sing all kinds of praise of the bride or groom.

1.

Begining

Aprosachi vatli, kasgran petli, ruzai mai betli, hea rosalagim. The roce brass plate is made by brass smith, our lady of rosary is here at this roce ceremony Matov zadun, udoila koir, sam Juzen dilam doir, amchea iezmanik The wedding pendal (matov) is swept and cleaned, Jesus has given courage to our yezmani Apros hadn dovorla vatlenth, hokal rosak boslya, modhem matvam'th The roce juice is kept in the plate, the bride is seated for the roce in the middle of the pendal Apros ross kadla , sarvoi sungrarun, rosak baslea kumvarn, amchi hokal bai Pure coconut juice is extracted; the beautifully dressed bride is seated for her roce.

Dimbi ami galeam, santa kuru kadeam, kurpa ami magieam amchea Jezulagim Let us kneel, make sign of the cross, and pray for Gods grace Poili santa kuru, dusrem kelam tesamw, Jezuchem besaum amchea holeak First sign of the cross, then a vow, blessings of Jesus for the bride Besaum magon, hokal baslea banka, dist lavn sarga, Jezu Morieacher After receiving blessings from elders, bride is seated for the roce, looking up to the heavens to Jesus and Mother Mary.

2.

Annointing

Kani galem thel, kapolim kadlo khuris, vainkuticho jezu kristh hokleak besaum dith. Oil is put in the ears, sign of cross made on the fore head, Jesus in heaven blesses the bride Kani tallve thel galn, bosaiea bamka, pailo man thuka, sargimchea Deva Bapa. Oil is put in the ears, bride is seated on the bench for roce, first respect to you, oh! Heavenly father Kani thalve thel galn dhovorilem monniye, besaum di ranniye, sargimchea virza moriye. The oil is placed on the stand after anointing the bride, bless her oh! Heavenly Mother Akashim mod, narl kubear telacho kuris hokleachea kopalar Clouds in the sky, coconut on the tree, oily sign of cross on the forehead of the bride

Akashim mod munn, dharnik zalea shell, lobomgelea chaleak, kani mateak thel Because of cloudy sky, the earth has a cold, oil in ears and on the head for the Lobo famil bride Aleachea doshi, sak-richem mel, panch thembe thel, hokelachea kapalar. For ginger pudding, sugary syrup, five drops of oil on the head of the bride Kani talvea thel galn sarvai angio devlem, apurbaechem bavlem, amchi hokal bai. The oil poured dropped all over her body, beautiful doll our lovely bride

Kani thallvek thel galn, Jezuk maryam ulo, aprubaieachi chali amchi hokal bai. After anointing the bride, let us invoke Jesus, very pretty girl, our darling bride Shenn koir kadn, nital zalem jal, vovlleamk galem thel amchea ezmaneen. The court year is swept and tidied up, the yezmani also anointed some of her guests Rosacha vatlek sakriche mel, undir muthlo nai yezmanin ghale thel

3.

Applying Roce

Apros roce kadla, dheda vollyacho, ubo ravon polleita puth morieacho. Juice is from one and a half coconuts, standing and watching our Jesus Christ Roce kadtea ezmani, moni dharlam tesamwm dhi maie besaum, saibinni kosesaaum. The mother of the bride has made a vow while preparing the roce juice, please bless her oh Coses Mother "Ruxai muje maye, naka korunk poice, kadel dovorn boice hya rosalagin. 0 my mother, Lady of the Rosary, do not leave us, But take a chair and sit besides this roce ceremony Amkvar mai podi narl, mari magdelen kamti kai, jezu mari mai, tegi ros lai Virgin Mary breaks coconut, Mary Magdalene breaks areca nut, Jesus, all three of you apply roce to the bride Madth podi narl mun, mornel podi kai santh ezabeli saith chovgi roce lai. Martha breaks coconut, Mornel breaks areca nut, St. Elizabeth, all four of you apply roce Ross kaadila, baimchea udkan, maiechea putran, rosak besaum deilam. The roce juice has been prepared with well water, Virgin mothers Son has blessed the roce Apros roce kadn, dovorila boshiye Jezuchea khushe, iezmanin roce kadla. The roce juice has been prepared and placed in the bowl by the mother of the bride, as desired by Jesus,

Apros ross kadla , konak samgon, raza magon amchea jezulagim. The juice is extracted with whose permission?. With permission from our Jesus Sakalim mal'lim fulam sanzear bavolim, alma pavolim, hea rosalagim. The flower worn in the morning withered in the evening, the souls of the dead reached at this roce a. Mother Applies Roce Aprosachi vatli dhavigi ujvi, polo roce laitha hokle avoi thuji Kashyacha vatlek bangaracho kes, mogacho roce thujya avoicho Nanndden ghalan lonchen, jhaav ghaltha dos, avoi pustha roce, Hokle neet bos

b. Father Applies Roce Rupiyache vattle bhangarache kes, mogacho roce tuja bapaicho Golden hair on the silver platter, this roce is with love from your father

c. If the Father/Mother is no more Sargimchea baim'k (well) bangarache dhampne , viggim ailem apovne, hoklea bapoik tujea. Heavenly well, golden lid, early came heavenly call to your father Ethlem saglem ason hoklea, atam kitem unem, bapoi nathlelem, tujem dublea jinem. So much is said, dear bride, fatherless life is very poor Bapai na mun hoklea, naka korum'k chinta, fula sangdo maan, tuka baav dita. Do not worry that your father is not alive today, like your father, your brother will take care of you

Sargar aslea bapoik, kitem tuka tha'n ( thirst ) puth dith dha'n ( donate ) tuka opis mees. Your father in heaven, why is he thirsty, the son will give donation and offer mass to your soul Dhavntha ghodya, bandhvila pa'la, bieanaka ba'la, tuka Dev asa.... Fleeing horse is caught and tied to the tree, do not worry child, God is there for you d. Uncles Applies Roce Hyavi matvanth baple thuje mhale, tjua bapaicha kaal, baplo roce laitha In this roce matov pendal, your uncles are the match makers, under your father, your uncle applies roce Mavllo roce laitha, monanth kitem chintha, borem ponn magtha tuja kazaraak, Uncle applies roce, what he thinks in his mind? Wishes you the best on your wedded life Bhatacha rashir boson asa kavllo, mundaas gaar mavllo, aila tuja kazaraak, Crow sits on the heap of paddy, big turbaned uncle has come for your wedding a. Sister In Law Applies Roce Amcha gharanth, mai amchi maal, Mainche Khaal haum roce laitham In our house, mother in Law is second. Under mother in Law, I apply roce to you

Ambya thuje lonche, alya thuji dos aprosacho roce yezmanin thayar kela Aprosachea baxiea, muieamcho hari , ayeyo naari, chovgi roce lai. Ants have gathered around the coconut juice bowl, come on ladies, apply roce to the bride Apros roce, ezmanichea kanknna, dhaak zalea patna, hanga roce munon. The juice is splashed on the mothers bangles, the whole town has come to know there is roce today

Hya Garcho yejmani kain gaa gela, Cherela sait Ruxai mayek hadunk gela Where the yeznani gone? He is gone with the cherel (palanquin) to fetch Our mother, the Lady of the Rosary Ruzai mai ayli, samkyaa margan, loban gelya vargan thika baska diya Mother of rosary has come from afar, give her seat as per Lobo(Naik) clan Koses mai soiri, ruzai, mai gharchi, tinnem kurpa dimvchi, amchea hokleak Coses mother is guest, Rozari mother is of this house, she gives grace to our bride Amchea ghara mukar, kelmbean gala muko, dhuveak kazar munon, avoik lagla dhako The plantain tree in front of the house has given fruit, your mother is worried because you are getting married Varsam barlim munon, bapoi kadtha kazar, patim na adhar, hoklea avoik thujea Father gets you married because you have come of age, but your mother will suffer as you wll not be there Sakalim utovn, ambea mulanth vimch, birmoth chinth, thujea avoi bapoichi. Early in the morning pick mangoes below the tree, take pity on your parents and think of their kindness Bithar galli mandri, bair vodinaka, kazar zalom mun avaik sodinaka. Do not pull out the mat spread inside, do not forget your mother once you are married Hokleag bai, galeanth thujea benthin, avai barlea kanthin, dhuveak kazar mun. Dear bride, scapular around your nect, your mother is sad because you will be missed after marriage Aprose roce naDla voilyan gallaith, sargim thaumn pollaith, voretha aji tuji The roce juice is strained the naDla, watching from heaven is your dear grand mother Mez almar karun, mezar dhavarla glass, sargar zala ullas, tujea avaoik ( ajieak ). Table cupboard are ready, glass tumbler is on the table, happy is your grandmother in heaven Sargimchea baink, aad gala ruk, ek galai dhuk, hoklea avaik ( azieak ) thujea.

Tree stump is placed on the heavely well, shed one tear for your grandmother who is in heaven Rosyanche radnik lilin serputan, Voir podlin hadkutan Vokle avocchin, In the rosya cooking shed firewood is added to the fire, The bones of the mother of the bride are projecting, due to sadness as daughter is leaving Rosyanche radnik katyanche pog, Vishranaka mogu tuja mai-Bapaicho. In therosya cooking oven firewood is piled Do not forget the love of your parents Aprosachi vatli dhavigi ujvi, dusro roce pustha voretha modern thuji Be the roce juice bowls on the right and left, now applies roce dear bride, your God mother Gulobacha rukha tallver phulla bongo, uzvadacho khambo, amchi hokal bai On the rose plant there has come a bud, light of the house is our bride Ude Ude disa, udethana thambso, sondremacho arso amchi hokal bai Rise, rise sun, golden while rising, mirror of the moon is our dear bride Aprosachi vatli dhavigi ujvi, thisro roce pusthat hokle mavshyo thujo Be the roce juice bowls on the right and left, now applies roce dear bride, your dear aunts Vaadyanthle maanesth, aylyath hanga somesth, pollevnk distha rupesth amchi hokal bai The invitee dignitaries are present, beautiful she looks, our dear bride Yezmani baaye, mog thuzo gupith, asa kitli sobith, amchi hokal bai Dear yezmani, secret is your love, how pretty she looks, our dear bride Hathanth buul, chimtenth pudu, gulobaancho ghos, amchi hokal bai, Snuff bottle in the hand, snuff in my pinch, a bunch of red roses, our dear bride Aprosachi vatli dhavigi ujvi, sovtho roce pusthath hokle akayo thujo Be the roce juice bowls on the right and left, now applies roce dear bride, your paternal aunts Tenne konn yeta thabshe kobayecho, burgya sobayechi amchi hokal bai Some one comes from there with red tunic, innocently beautiful our dear bride Fulam bithor ful, gulob zadachem, kutam vodanchem, amcha hoklechem

Rose is the flower among flowers, wealthy family is of our bride Chovga chan bhav hoklea, kapalachea thi'le, ku'larachea va'te paliea zalai divea You are sister to four brothers. First light one lamp facing your fathers house Ailea saireank, patim karinaka, jevan kelea xivai bhavank dhadinaka Do not refuse visiting guests, do not send your brothers without a good meal Aprosachi vatli davigi ujvi, atam roce laithath voretha daijim tujim Be the roce juice bowls on the right and left, now applies roce dear bride, your relatives Hem Ghar sobana munn kursak aylam pan, poilo dila maan tumkam daijiyank The cross has a leaf to beautify the house, first respect to you, dear relatives Govamcho undo, tupan thapaila, mogan apailam iezmanin daizeamk. Wheat bread warmed with ghee, yezmani has lovingly invited you dear relatives Dha paise dileath, suvieak ani suthak, malgadea dhuvek, iezmani kazar kadta. Ten paisa are given for needle and thread, yezmani is getting married his eldest daughter Padri mees sangta, Jezu Mariea voir, thanim dilam dhoir amchea hokleak Priest says mass, jesus mary above, they have given courage to our dear bride Deva bapa, deva putra, deva povitr athmya, kurpecha disa ezman roce laitha In the name of the father and the son and the holy spirit, on this auspicious day yezman is applying roce Aprosachea vatlea, motieamcho ghos, mogacho ross, hoklea bapaicho. A bunch of pearls arount the roce bowl, with love applies roce dear bride, your father Bakreacha masa, rosachea po'le bapoin kello upkar, falea chintun po'le. For mutton curry, juicy pan cakes, do not ever forget all that your father did for you.

All the below Voviyos describe the fathers love to his daughter: Pavsath ievn, udak jalem vhala, kast pavlo ba'la, hoklea bapoi tujo. The stream has flooded with heavy rain, your father had many difficulty for this wedding, dear bride Heavi kazarak, kitem zala nast, bov zalem kast, hoklea bapaik tujea. The wedding has caused much expense to your father, dear bride Barik remv, kagdar varaili, kath zaraili, hoklea ( vareta ) bapaik tujea. Thin sand spread on the paper, your father had to walk much for your wedding Paixean jodlele, rupian punzailem, duveachea ( putachea ) kazarak bapaik karson geale. Earned much, could save only pennies, for daughters wedding father faced great expense Talem sukle'lem, salak bavdem jalem, talatachea savlea, bapoin vadailem. The pond dried, lutus withered, your father brought you up with tender care Amcho iezmani, nesla chakrachem pudvem, surea surieachem kurvem, hoklea bapoi tujo. The yezmani has worn loin cloth called pudvem lover of toddy, your dear father Ailea'lea saireank patim karinaka, soro ( jevan ) dilea xivai bapoik dhadinaka. Do not refuse your guests, do not send back your father without offering a drink Amchea ghara mukar, chireancho dhoro, rinacho baro, hoklea bapoik tujea. Laterite stone wall in front of our house, great burden of loan on your father Iezmanieachea ghara mukar, asa pagor, vhad asa adhar, hoklea bapoicho. In front of your house there is a wall, you have great support from your father Paieank galina vhan, potak khelena aan, axem kelem dh'on hoklea bapoin tujea. Does not wear sandles on his feet, does not eat lavish food, this way your father accumulated wealth. Sakalim kadlem dudh(milk) sanzear jalem dho'em (curd ) sakkad lok asa, hoklea ( vareta ) bapoi kaim? Mornings milk curdled in the evening, every one is here, dear bride, where is your father?

Adsar narl temeter karvo, Spirith Santh parvo Hoklecha bhujavoir Bokracha masak rosache pole, bapain kello upkaar falyan chinthun pole Ek poiso dila suthak ani suviyek, malgadya duvek yezmani kazar kadtha Baplo/Mavlo roce laitha, monanth kithen chinta, borepon magtha thujya fudarak Manglurcha petenth vikonk ghala jiren, sakkad ailyan biren Hokle kutamb thuje Bareek revn kagdar varailli, kaath jharailli Hokle bapain thujya Bathacha rashir bosovn asa kavlo, mundasgar mavlo atha roce laitha Amcha hithlanth fullin thi batth, uzvo di haath falyan resperak Sakalin udello suryo sanjer budolo, umo ditholo thuka maal dedo Paavs yevun udkanth marthith laran, Hokal mejtha voran apnacha resperachi Amcha ghara mukar kelmbyan ghala moko, dhuvek kazar munon avoik lagla dhako Patlya baglyan riglo, muklya baglyan ghelo, eka glass kapiyen yezmanin Zavoin kelo Amcha gharavoilyan udon ghelo soso, chaniyancho piso amcho Vorethbaab Amcha hithlanthlyan udon ghelo soso, uthra fude haso amche hokulek Thulve bashen moskyak munthath nurge, visronche nai burge amchi hokalbai Kazaracha ghara shirothigi paan, poilo diya maan vadyacha gurkarak Kazaracha ghara sheeth kadunk kanti, mirnyam marith ghanti thujya resperak Yezmanichya vodthanth fullin thi duthra, resperachi utran Hokle jikun dher Govancho undo thupan thapoilan, mogan apoilan yezmanin daijank

Thapaillya kailer bajhath ghali masli, aichan sod fasli thujya Avoi bapaichi Laticho yento lateermo thutlo, sangath sutlo aichan bobavnyancho Kes ugovn kesanchi keli yeni, kain vethai boini, amche sangathini Gulobacha ruka thalver fulla bongo, uzvadacho kambo amchi Hokalbai Rananthlo keer rananth bovath, monanth rodath amchi hokalbai Mandri kovlon mandrecho kelo kovlo, manacho mavlo pargavanth urlo ?? Bapoin bandle ghar, acharyan ghadle daar, sakdank boren magon falyan bair ser Rashyache randni kattyancho fog, visronaka mog thujya avoicho Swethak kazar munon Seila Shilpa jhalin ragar, fuden karyan kazar benda thomboran Roschcha randnik laya ther sonto, ardo uroya vanto Bainicha kazarak Sopyar ghalli pana hathanth dharunk yenanth, yekki vovi nena amchi yezman Daryanthli masli chiti piti udtha, sunek polovn main mitiyo martharli verse ghavn Donparach jevnak kadi kelya datt, maink podle hatt thukach hadijai munon Milavachya koythulak chinchen thoru, sairik kellya mallyak Dev boren karun Hokal amchi bayi ambade dadaithali, kazar jhaina munon amka hedaithali Hokal amchi bayi ambade dadaithali, madrink vetha munon amka fotaithali Ithle verse ghavn thalo amcho podlo, whisky brandy soro amka divnchak podlo English bashent gaaik muntat cow,.... vorsanso love amchya hokleso Amchya hitlant udon gello souso utran phude haso amchya hokleso Hadak marunk koito masak galunk shirko mukaar zavun cherko amchya hoklek

...... marli ghant,....zalen taaunn cherko zalyar zaundi pilyad zodtan haun Novran hoklek deelan anglen, tuka kone sanglen..... mun

2.

Going for Bath

Thambyacha bhani udak thapoilan, navnk apoila amchya Hokulek Thambyacha bani thapailan paani, Hokal natha naan aaz ankvarponi Thambyacha bani thalailan thamban, hokal natha naan aaz dabajan Bhavechi kamb bhaver thashya, aprosan ghasya amche hokulek Madiyechi kombu bareek thashya aang boren ghashya amchya hokulechen Vovli mullin sakdan, Hoklek navnk vocha, heran jevnak bosa raath modyan jhatha. Dharyacha lara, chothri fulai mora, naumk apoun vora, amcha hoklek Wave of the ocean, spread your feathers in the shape of umbrella dear peacock, take the bride for her roce hot bath Voviyo mullim vovllim hoklek nannaunk vocha, heram jevnnak bosa, raath madhyaan zatha The voviyo singers, please accompany the bride at bath, rest of you get ready for the meal, as it is nearing midnight.

The below song is recited at the end or after the first round of serving meals.

Laudate
Laudate dominum, Omnes gentes, Omnes populi, quanium confir mata est,

Super nos mesericordia ejus, Et veritas domini manet in eternum, Et veritas domini manet in eternum!. Gloria patri et filio, (here all make the sign of the Cross) Et spiritui sancto, sicut erat in principio et nunc Etsemper et in secula seculorum amen. Laudate dominum, Omnes gentes, Omnes populi, Quanium confirmata est, Super nos mesericordia ejus, Et veritas domini manet in eternum, Et veritas domini manet in eternum.

Rodonaka Baye - Traditional Wedding song

Rodonaka Baye, ani suzainaka doley, ani suzainaka doley Aatha disa fuday, baav apounk yetha polay, Aichan aatha disa fuday, baav apounk yetha polay,

Ek todpa tandul, baye astun kaadgo kundo, baye astun kaadgo kundo Tuja novryacha gustar, baye loniyan kago undho Tuja novryacha gustar, baye loniyan kago undho

Mathey bor kase, baye paat bor vini, baye paat bor vini Vathai mun go baini, baye amchay sangathini Vathai mun go baini, baye amchay sangathini

Vos vos go baye, tuja novrya bora bor, tuja novrya bora bor

Amso somesthaso mog, baye tuja kalzanth dovoru Amso somesthaso mog, baye tuja kalzanth dovoru

Vos vos go baye, tuja bartharacha garah, tuja bartharacha garah Sukan raaj karn raavu, tuja mai mavacha garah Sukan raaj karn raavu, tuja mai mavacha garah