Giving is a very important virtue for Buddhists, especially for occasions like marriage. Inviting the monks in odd numbers (3,5,7or 9) to the ceremony or simply going to the temple, is to assure that the couple gets blessed with the spiritual credit of giving.

 

The ceremony begins with the monks chanting and praying while a lit candle is placed above a bowl of holy water. The water will be used later by the senior monk to bless the couple and the attending guests. After praying, if you plan to include a meal it will then be offered to the monks and the couple will leave the hall to allow the monks to dine. No one is allowed to eat until the monks finish their meal.

 

Afterwards, the monks resume their praying. In a ritual called “Jerm” the senior monk blesses the couple with holy water and uses a powder stick to make three dots on the groom’s forehead prior to taking the groom’s hand to make the same dots on the bride’s forehead. These dots will remain throughout the entire ceremony. The monks are then adjourned.