Buddha Buddha Buddha Buddha Rockin’ Everywhere

Buddhists have no real wedding ceremony. In fact, no figurehead in the Buddhist community has the authority to officially conduct a wedding or sign a marriage certificate. All a Buddhist monk or priest can do is bless the couple’s union.  However, if the Buddhist priest or monk were a notary republic or a justice of the peace, then the marriage could be sealed.

In Jewish wedding ceremonies, the groom must place a plain gold band on the bride’s right ring finger, not past her knuckle (as it is believed to lead to her soul). This ring is called a “Chuppah” ring (that part of the fact was not learned from my text but from last night’s “Rich Bride, Poor Bride”) and it must be a piece of the groom’s property. This means if the couple purchases a diamond or platinum band for the bride’s wedding ring, they must also purchase a gold band. For the budget conscious couple, grooms are allowed to “buy” a gold wedding band from a male family member. Currency must exchange hands, even if it is just a dollar, but the groom may sell the ring back to the family member after the ceremony is conducted.

Right now I’m studying Wedding Ceremonies, Customs and Traditions. I just finished a big section on different religious ceremonies and their ins and outs. I realized the basis of my Jewish wedding knowledge came from Charlotte on Sex and the City. In fact, I realized I have no idea how Lutheran weddings are performed, which is weird, as I am in fact, a Lutheran. I have only ever been to Catholic or Presbyterian weddings.

Knowing this, you can imagine my excitement when I read one of my “suggested responsibilities” as an aspiring consultant.

“Attend (with permission of course!) a ceremony from each prominent religion in your area.”

I’d like to attend as many different types of ceremonies as possible, but, I also respect that the ceremony is a sacred part of the Wedding for most everyone. However, if anyone knows a couple celebrating their wedding with a religious ceremony that would not mind someone sitting in (politely, quietly and well-dressed, I promise!), please let me know! I’d love to get the ball rolling this Wedding Season!

Prominent Pittsburgh Religions-

·         Catholic

·         Greek Orthodox

·         Judaism

·         Non-Denominational

·         Lutheran

·         Methodist

·         Mormon

·         Baptist

·         Armenian Catholic

·         Seven Day Adventist