In a quest to understand the significance of kalire and chura in a Muslim wedding, I wondered whether the accessories highlighted the numerous and unique traditions of a traditional Muslim wedding. So, I did some research to find out the actual significance of these accessories.
So, do Muslim brides wear Kalire and Chura? There is no harm or sin committed when the bride chooses to wear Kalire and Chura during the wedding ceremony. Muslim wedding ceremonies vary greatly based on the regions and countries, but at the center of it all, the Nikah ceremony remains the same. The bride can choose to adorn herself with Kalire and Chura. This will make her more appealing during the special day.
Marriage plays an essential role in Islamic traditions. Religiously oriented Muslim always refer marriage as “half of the religion”, arguing that it is in accordance to the hadiths that are attributed to Prophet Muhammad. That’s why it is important to understand how Muslim weddings celebrations promotes a healthy connection between religion and bridal fashion.
Muslim bridal accessories are not expensive but are generally expressive of the bride’s ethnicity, place of origin as well as theological orientations. Chura and kalire is one such accessory that holds a lot of significance in a Muslim wedding. Islam is characterized with a lot of traditions and customs that are adhered to by all believers.
An Islamic wedding is with no doubt one of the most pivotal moments in a couple’s life. The prosperous event not only brings two individuals together forever, but also brings the family members and friends closer together. In a Muslim wedding, all rituals that are conducted hold some religious and cultural significance for the bride and groom, the same goes for the sanchaq where the male members of the bride’s family visits the bride’s family with gifts including bridal outfits with accessories and jewelry like the kalire and chura.
The sanchaq is normally the last pre-wedding ritual that signifies the blessing, support and affection of the male members of the bride’s new home.
The bridal kalire and chura are normally given to the bride by her maternal uncles. The bride has options in the design of these accessories and selecting the right size. The bride’s maternal aunt and uncle usually perform the ceremony. The bride has to take a bath and wears a new outfit.
The deep rooted significance behind this tradition makes it understandable as to why brides today spend lots of time to get the right set of Kalire and Chura. The accessories beautifully drape the bride’s hands and completely transform her beautiful look. There are numerous design options for these accessories to select from apart from the color. The name of the groom or bride can be inscribed on them or the world to see. They can be customized as per the theme of the wedding.
Apart from making sure that the bride looks great on her wedding day, these accessories hold a special place in the bride’s heart due to the companionship it offers during the new phase of her married life. Newly married brides look lovely in any form of traditional hyped up wedding artier coupled with Kalire and Chura.
The bride cannot wear chura on her own. The chura ought to be cleansed in milk with water and rose petals. It is then touched by each relative as a symbol of their blessing before being handed over to the bride. On some occasions, the bride is not allowed to see her chura until the day of the wedding. Chura is removed from the bridal wrist by her sister in law.
Bridal chura is a symbol of prosperity for any married woman. It is one of the most important accessories that the bride dons on her big day. Chura is something without which the bride seems incomplete.
Kalire are umbrella- shaped hangings that offer a unique combination when worn with chura. They help to signify the eternal love and happiness for the newlyweds. Normally the Kalire is tied on the bride’s chura by her sister and friends. They are golden or silver in color. They are significant in providing good wishes to the bride and to always remind her of her cousins and friends whom she is going to leave behind after getting married.
A coconut shaped Kalire can be attached to the bride’s chura to help symbolize the fact that she will never run out of food in her new home. Metallic ones on the other hand help symbolize wealth and prosperity. Often dry fruits, beetle nuts and coconut are encrusted on the Kalire.
Today the Kalire come in all kinds of exclusive trimmings and designs. Muslim brides love to match the styles and colors of their Kalire with their wedding dresses and Chura. These exist different colored beads, stones, or flowers that can be added to the Kalire which goes well with the bride’s shades or the lehenga available in her overall artier.
Some Muslim brides opt for simple looking kalires that are made of gold or silver leaves that are attached to strings made of beads, while others opt for ornate looking kalire which are made of large and umbrella shaped and designed with lots of pearls or diamonds. Depending on the bride’s preference, these accessories should go well with the wedding artier.
The use of these accessories has been in existence for a while longer. There exists a legend that emanates from this exquisitely designed accessory, which shows that as a localized Muslim tradition where a bride was provided with a half-cut, dried coconuts that were attached to her wrists as a snack to keep her nourished because she had to travel for longer distances before she arrived at the groom’s house for the wedding ceremony.
There exists no bar when it comes to different communities. In some communities, the Kalire is worn by all women on their wedding day, regardless of their social standing.
These wedding accessories add a touch of beauty to the whole wedding day. When choosing the right color for them, the color of her bridal dress. It should go pleasantly with the dress because it will grab the attention of the guest.
Muslim dress code is key in any wedding. It is essential to note that the accessories should be always improvised to comply with Islamic modest norms. All brides are required to wear the perfect artier that constructs an appearance that’s appealing aesthetically but should be in line with the teachings of the Quran.
Therefore, any bride should understand that such accessories like the Kalire and chura should be worn in the appropriate color. The bride should always comply with the groom’s will because Islam has no normative prohibitions when it comes to accessorizing in any given wedding.
It is however important to ensure that any accessories worn by the bride should not revoke negative responses within the society since it is the ‘society that makes color’ which gives the meanings and definitions, builds its values and codes, organizes its practices and determines the implication according to the hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad.
Overall, Muslim weddings are colorful, elegant and alluring. Although depending on local customs and traditions, some brides may opt to accessorize using Kalire and Chura during the wedding. As mentioned above, it is not a sin for a Muslim bride to wear Kalire and Chura. Muslim brides are free to dress conservatively as per the local traditional and themes that are adhered to in their society.
