Syrian Christians of Kerala continue to retain many of the ancient traditions and rituals of their ancestors .in their social and religious life. Compared to other Christian denominations, their church services have many unique characteristics and share many cultural similarities in their rituals and customs with their Hindus brethren in Kerala. Here are some of them.
The church services of the Syrian Christians (liturgy) is called the (Holy Qurbana) a word derived from Hebrew Korban meaning “Sacrifice”.
Until the late 1960s most of the churches followed Syriac liturgy, and songs used to be sung in the Suryani (Syriac) language. Even today, most of the Malayalam songs sung during the Syrian- Christian worship are set to ancient Syriac tunes.
Syrian Christian Women cover their heads while they worship. This is tradition is a carry over from among some of the Jewish descendents.
The Syrian Christian Baptism ceremony is called Mamodisa and it continues to follow some of the ancient rituals.
The Madbaha and the Altar in the church is considered to be holy. Here only the priests and the altar boys are allowed to enter. It is separated from the rest of the church by a red curtain which is opened and closed during the various stages of celebration of the Holy Eucharist
Syrian Christians reverently observe the Maundy Thursday, commemorating the Last Supper of Jesus Christ. It is referred to as Pesaha, in Malayalam. It is a word derived from the Aramaic or Hebrew word for Passover. There is also a tradition of eating a special Pesaha Appam on this day.
The community observes Great Lent,also known as the fifty days' Noyambu', before Easter by keeping away from all food prepared with meat, fish and egg. They also observe the 25 days' fast which ends on the day of Christmas.
Architecture of early churches was a blend of Jewish and Kerala styles.
The Churches has a separate seating arrangement for men and women.
The use of “Muthukoda”, an ornamental umbrella used during church celebrations, marriages and other festivals is yet another tradition that has survived over the centuries..
Syrian Christians and Hindus of Kerala share certain similarities in the use of sandalwood paste, milk, rice and areca nut in ceremonies connected with births and marriages.
Although the Syrian Christian service during the funeral of a dead person is unique in nature, Influence of Kerala Hindu culture can be seen in rituals that are followed after the funeral
Nilavilakku (a lighted metal lamp) similar to that used by Hindus is seen in churches of Syrian Christians of Kerala. The only difference is that, instead of the Lingam, a cross is used.
Footwear is normally not worn inside the church.
Syrian Christians do not marry close relatives. As a general rule, the bride and groom must not be related for at least five generations.
Syrian Christians normally prefer arranged marriages and the boy and girl see each other in the Pennukanal (Seeing the bride) ceremony at bride’s home.
The traditional dress of a Syrian Christian woman is the Chatta and Mundu, a white dress, which is now worn only by very few ladies who still like to continue with their old tradition.
Similar to the Hindu custom, Syrian Christians of Kerala also tie the thaali or minnu around the bride’s neck at the end of the Holy Matrimony service. After this, the priest blesses the manthrakodi (saree) and gives it to the bridegroom to cover the bride’s head. At the end of the marriage ceremony the couple and the witnesses sign their names in the register, and the marriage is officially accepted by all the denominations
The church services of the Syrian Christians (liturgy) is called the (Holy Qurbana) a word derived from Hebrew Korban meaning “Sacrifice”.
Until the late 1960s most of the churches followed Syriac liturgy, and songs used to be sung in the Suryani (Syriac) language. Even today, most of the Malayalam songs sung during the Syrian- Christian worship are set to ancient Syriac tunes.
Syrian Christian Women cover their heads while they worship. This is tradition is a carry over from among some of the Jewish descendents.
The Syrian Christian Baptism ceremony is called Mamodisa and it continues to follow some of the ancient rituals.
The Madbaha and the Altar in the church is considered to be holy. Here only the priests and the altar boys are allowed to enter. It is separated from the rest of the church by a red curtain which is opened and closed during the various stages of celebration of the Holy Eucharist
Syrian Christians reverently observe the Maundy Thursday, commemorating the Last Supper of Jesus Christ. It is referred to as Pesaha, in Malayalam. It is a word derived from the Aramaic or Hebrew word for Passover. There is also a tradition of eating a special Pesaha Appam on this day.
The community observes Great Lent,also known as the fifty days' Noyambu', before Easter by keeping away from all food prepared with meat, fish and egg. They also observe the 25 days' fast which ends on the day of Christmas.
Architecture of early churches was a blend of Jewish and Kerala styles.
The Churches has a separate seating arrangement for men and women.
The use of “Muthukoda”, an ornamental umbrella used during church celebrations, marriages and other festivals is yet another tradition that has survived over the centuries..
Syrian Christians and Hindus of Kerala share certain similarities in the use of sandalwood paste, milk, rice and areca nut in ceremonies connected with births and marriages.
Although the Syrian Christian service during the funeral of a dead person is unique in nature, Influence of Kerala Hindu culture can be seen in rituals that are followed after the funeral
Nilavilakku (a lighted metal lamp) similar to that used by Hindus is seen in churches of Syrian Christians of Kerala. The only difference is that, instead of the Lingam, a cross is used.
Footwear is normally not worn inside the church.
Syrian Christians do not marry close relatives. As a general rule, the bride and groom must not be related for at least five generations.
Syrian Christians normally prefer arranged marriages and the boy and girl see each other in the Pennukanal (Seeing the bride) ceremony at bride’s home.
The traditional dress of a Syrian Christian woman is the Chatta and Mundu, a white dress, which is now worn only by very few ladies who still like to continue with their old tradition.
Similar to the Hindu custom, Syrian Christians of Kerala also tie the thaali or minnu around the bride’s neck at the end of the Holy Matrimony service. After this, the priest blesses the manthrakodi (saree) and gives it to the bridegroom to cover the bride’s head. At the end of the marriage ceremony the couple and the witnesses sign their names in the register, and the marriage is officially accepted by all the denominations
