Are you wearing a "minnu" (Malayalee), Or planning one for your Wedding? Facts & Fun Facts..

We at Alpha Events and Decor try to help our clients, even though its not part of our core business. One of clients wanted to follow traditions, but didn't know much about them. That prompted us to write this article.

Christians in Kerala have a very distinct culture, which are duly reflected in weddings and other rituals. The Syrian Christians in particular who follow the teachings of St Thomas (one of the original 12 disciples of Christ) have wedding customs, which have also been influenced to a very large extent, by both Hindu and Jewish customs. 

Before I talk about "Minnu", you should understand what "Manthrakodi" is. Well, What is "Manthrakodi"? "Manthra"’ means blessed and the word ‘kodi’ means new clothes. Basically its the "Wedding dress/sari". Manthrakodis are specially bought by the groom’s family and are richly embroidered with both gold and silver threads.  Typically bride wear a regular Saree to wedding ceremony, change into "Manthrakodi" after the wedding, before the reception. The is a symbolic representation that the bride is now part of groom's family.

In Kerala (Malayalee Christian), every Christian bride has a Minnu. The Minnu is a pendant with a cross, a symbol of Christianity, on a gold medallion shaped like a heart. The heart symbolises the concept of love. The cross represents the relationship a husband and wife must follow. The same relationship between Jesus and his bride, the church.  Five or seven gold dots form the cross. The Minnu passed through seven strands of thread (21 threads carefully taken from this "manthrakodi" are entwined in seven sets, each containing only 3 threads), which should be taken from the "Manthrakodi". Seven represents the bride, the groom, the couple’s parents and the church. The brother-in-law (if there is one, or close relative) of the groom prepares the thread the evening before the wedding. It is then dipped in the starch (Kanji/rice water), dried to give its strength, so it won't break easily.

The husband presents a gold pendant known as the minnu to his wife. The Celebrant (Priest/Achen/Vicar) blesses the minnu and then holds the thread with the minnu, for the groom to tie it around the neck of the bride. By this they declare that they are tied together for life. Minnu represents a long and happy married life, a safe and comfortable place for children to grow up and a family that cares for the needs of the community.

There are two types of knots. "Penn Kettu" and "Aan Kettu". If you are a groom, you better make sure to practice enough before marriage. The knot to be tied is the Aan-Kettu, meaning the male knot, which in fact is the reef knot. The reef knot easily won't slip off, reason for using that knot. The brother-in-law being experienced with his wedding, acts as a coach to the groom and would make the groom practise the knot until achieving perfection. 

On one side of the minnu is a cross made with 12 small beads(muthu) signifying the Holy Trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit (3) and the Fruits of the Holy Spirit, the nine visible attributes of a true Christian --- love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (9). 

In some Christian communities, the Minnu remains on the thread for one week until the groom’s mother cuts the thread, and the Minnu is moved onto a chain. Minnu on the threads is not going to last long, it has to be moved to a chain. Often husbands cuts the thread and moves the Minnu to a gold Chain (Thali Mala).

The cross on the back of the minnu is structured differently for "nasrani minnu" (Syrian Christian). The leaf shaped minnu has golden beads designed into a cross.

"Kumbla Thali" is a traditional Hindu design, which resembles a narrow leaf with a narrow edge. This is a plain Gold Pendant.

If you go to a shop to by minnu, they will ask you which type of minnu.

Fun/Scary Fact: In the old days, priests used to look at the structure of the minnu and the strands. If the minnu didn't have the exact specification, or not built from the strands of the Manthrakodi, well, you are out of luck with your marriage. May have to reschedule. I guess the point is, married life is hard! So if you haven't paid attention to this, you won't succeed anyway, so come back later when you are ready? :) Many grooms tremble while tying the knot as all the eyes and cameras in the church are trained on to the knot being tied. So.. practice.. Practice... Today most of the Priests understand the multi-cultural transformation, not picky as in the old days.

A married Christian woman should always wear her minnu. Keep in mind the minnu is not an ornament it is part of her life. Is your minnu around your neck, close to your heart….or tucked away in a jewelry box?

About Alpha Events and Decor:

The talented team of Alpha Events and Decor provides a detailed and artistic perspective on creating your ideal event. Be it the wedding you have dreamed of forever, that grand proposal, Baptism, Graduation Party, Sweet 16 party, Mylanchi, Chandanam Charthu, or Engagement, every detail is covered. Beginning with your first meeting, our design team will create a personalized event that is the perfect reflection of your vision. 

Each wedding tells a different story, a love story that belongs to each couple, a reflection of the personality and vision of the couple that is uniting as one. It is a privilege to get to watch all the planning come to life and provide the behind the scenes work that ensures bride, groom, and family get to fully enjoy the entire day.