Is it appropriate to dress up as a bride before the ordination?

Discussion of ordination, the Vinaya and monastic life. How and where to ordain? Bhikkhuni ordination etc.
Post Reply
SarathW
Posts: 21238
Joined: Mon Sep 10, 2012 2:49 am

Is it appropriate to dress up as a bride before the ordination?

Post by SarathW »

Is it appropriate to dress up as a bride before the ordination?
This is some sort of a trend in Sri Lanka.
I just wonder what is the purpose of this.

The video is in Sinhalease but you can see the pictures.

“As the lamp consumes oil, the path realises Nibbana”
User avatar
Sam Vara
Site Admin
Posts: 13482
Joined: Sun Jun 05, 2011 5:42 pm
Location: Portsmouth, U.K.

Re: Is it appropriate to dress up as a bride before the ordination?

Post by Sam Vara »

It sounds like the Christian tradition where nuns are referred to as "Brides of Christ". It's probably accentuating the idea that normal marriage and family life is being given up by these women.
User avatar
Mumfie
Posts: 268
Joined: Tue Aug 09, 2022 4:43 pm

Re: Is it appropriate to dress up as a bride before the ordination?

Post by Mumfie »

SarathW wrote: Mon Feb 06, 2023 8:04 am Is it appropriate to dress up as a bride before the ordination?
It's not that the nuns-to-be are dressing up as brides, but rather, that nuns-to-be and brides both dress up for the day as princesses, emulating the old style of Kandyan royalty.
SarathW wrote: Mon Feb 06, 2023 8:04 amThis is some sort of a trend in Sri Lanka.
I just wonder what is the purpose of this.
It's a symbolic reenactment of the renunciation of Mahāpajāpati. The male equivalent is dressing up young men as princes on the day of their sāmanera or bhikkhu ordination, surrounding them with parasol-carriers, having them ride on decorated elephants or horses, etc. This reenacts the going forth of Prince Gotama.
1.jpeg
2.jpeg
“Hobgoblin, nor foul fiend,
Shall daunt his spirit;”
John Bunyan, Pilgrim’s Progress II)
SarathW
Posts: 21238
Joined: Mon Sep 10, 2012 2:49 am

Re: Is it appropriate to dress up as a bride before the ordination?

Post by SarathW »

Thanks.
OK, that makes some sense.
“As the lamp consumes oil, the path realises Nibbana”
Post Reply