Buddhist wedding traditions

Buddhism does not treat marriage as a sacrament, and the Buddha did not prescribe a wedding rite. Monks do not usually conduct the legal marriage. Even so, Buddhist families across Asia bring monks and blessings into the day, and each country has its own form shaped by local custom.

Blessings, not a sacrament

In Thailand and Cambodia, monks chant paritta verses and accept alms, and the couple pour water on the ground or on a monk's hand to share merit. The sai monkhon, a sacred thread, is draped over the couple's heads or tied around their wrists. In Sri Lanka the poruwa ceremony has the couple stand on a decorated platform and the groom's little finger is tied to the bride's with thread. In Myanmar, couples may be blessed by monks and a family elder.

Tibetan, Japanese and other forms

In Tibetan weddings guests give white scarves called khatas, and the chang barley beer is offered. In Bhutan the marriage may be agreed with little ceremony, with a blessing from a lama. In Japan most weddings are Shinto or Christian in style, though a Buddhist form exists with prayers before the altar and the rubbing of prayer beads. In Korea, Vietnam and Taiwan Buddhist blessings may be added to local custom.

Local and modern

Because Buddhism adapts to local culture, a Buddhist wedding is often as much Thai, Sri Lankan or Tibetan as it is Buddhist. In many places couples marry by law first and then visit a temple for a blessing. Monks may avoid being present at the vows and attend only the blessing, and some orders have their own rules, so practices should be learned from the community concerned.