Balian Marriage Customs

[Greener 659]

BALIAN MARRIAGE CUSTOMS

Transcribed by Teodosio Cardinal Tyria

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Depiction of a Canonist wedding

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Marriage is an important aspect of the Canonist faith and is one of the most holy sacraments that can be performed. As described in the Scroll of Virtue, “I made for you the worldly pleasures, so too have I made the pleasures of the spirit, and the love of the husband and wife.” It is important that all the tenants of the canticle of temperance are followed and uphold regarding the Canon's law of marriage. 

 

Within the years of Balian’s founding there have been many cultural changes to the order of the sacred ceremony of matrimony. In Balian culture the sacrament of matrimony is also called the Holy Mystery of Crowning. There are three distinct differences within a Balian marriage.

 

The Procession:

• The bride is not accompanied down the aisle by her Father but instead the groom and bride proceed down the aisle hand in hand. By entering together the couple cross over the threshold of the church as equal partakers in their unfolding mystery of love. The focus is on the couple coming together under GOD but not the bride or groom individually.

• There are no bridesmaids or groomsmen. Instead the couple are followed by two witnesses holding symbols of GOD, either large crosses, paintings of saints etc that will hold a prominent place in the couple’s home to serve as a reminder of the sacred day. 

 

Crowning:

• Once the vows have been spoken the couple are crowned with either wreaths or crowns of jewels. The price and extravagance of the crown does not matter but the symbol. The crowns are to symbolise the honoured martyrs who shed their blood and gave their lives for GOD. The crown is the prize of marriage, a crown of sacrifice and self-giving. 

 

Common Cup:

• During the service before the vows the couple are offered a glass of wine. The wine is used to symbolise the blood that runs through Balianite veins but also to symbolise the future bitter and sweet moments of life the couple will share together.