Today I saw a positively dizzying array of temples, stupas, and the like in both Kathmandu and Bhaktapur. As we wandered in Durbar Square, there were girls of 8-10 dressed in red--miniature brides in bright full wedding regalia. In a ceremony, they were to marry Lord Krishna, the handsome, young, flute-playing god of love. They come from families with old traditions of marrying young. Marrying Krishna a) allows the girls not to take on a real marriage at such a young age, and b) means they'll never become widows, since even if their earthly husband dies, they're still married to Krishna.Here a girl is having her feet dipped in red paint as part of the preparation (red, as I noted before, being an auspicious color, and the color every Nepali bride wears).
Let me just add that I'm really loving my life.
Since then...I've learned that they may have been marrying a fruit...or the sun.
Nice pic and thanks for the description, I was unaware of this aspect of their culture.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful picture.
ReplyDeleteRed is an auspicious culture in Chinese culture as well. This is the traditional color of wedding dresses there, although many young brides long for a Western-style wedding and wear white now.
I changed into a red dress at our wedding to pay respect to that tradition.
Sounds like you are having a lovely trip.
Red is so much more exciting to be married in than white.
ReplyDeleteWow. That's beautiful.
ReplyDeleteAnd I love stupas.
I'm loving your life too. Thanks.
ReplyDeletei want red feet too.
ReplyDeleteThat's an interesting concept.
ReplyDeleteAnd it sounds like a beautiful place!
I am so glad you are having a phenomenal time! I would die for that restaurant visit - one of my favorite things to do when I travel is eat locally (surprise, surprise!).
ReplyDeleteI love the picture -thanks for some great posts. Even if you can't always post photos, you do such a great job of describing everything.
wonderful post-- I too had a red gown on my wedding day-- but not quite the same.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful tradition!
ReplyDeleteI, too, am loving your life. It is fascinating and envious - in the most positive of ways.
ReplyDelete